Sleeve Patents (Class 123/188.5)
  • Patent number: 11455573
    Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products to facilitate data protection distributed learning are provided. According to an embodiment, a system can comprise a memory that stores computer executable components and a processor that executes the computer executable components stored in the memory. The computer executable components can comprise a local parameter component that employs an agent to compute local model parameters based on data of the agent. The computer executable components can further comprise a global parameter component that employs the agent to estimate a global model parameter based on the local model parameters and model parameters of one or more neighbor agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Subhro Das
  • Patent number: 11313317
    Abstract: A cylinder aligning sleeve and adapter plate for use within an internal combustion engine. The sleeve includes apertures placed contiguously with holes within the adapter plate to form a flow passage through the dead space between compression and crosshead pistons. The flow passage exits to a vent line where gas detection may occur along with safe venting of any gas detected. The sleeve serves to ensure concentric alignment of the compression cylinder with the engine block bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: ONBOARD DYNAMICS LLC
    Inventors: Caleb A. Alvarado, Peter William Rhoades
  • Patent number: 10934899
    Abstract: A valve seat insert for a gas exchange valve controlling gas exchange of a cylinder includes an insert body having an inner peripheral surface, an outer peripheral surface, and a valve seating surface structured to contact the gas exchange valve at a closed position and profiled to limit valve recession thereof. The valve seating surface includes an arrangement of linear segments and curved segments forming crowns to contact the gas exchange valve at different wear states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ashwin Hattiangadi, Rong Qu, Sanjay Kumar, Kevin Yoder
  • Patent number: 10781745
    Abstract: A boost device diverter control valve (1) has a body (2) with an inlet port (3) extending between a distal end (4) adapted to be disposed in communication with an intake of the boost device and a proximal end (5) in or adjacent the body (2). A piston chamber (6) is in communication with the proximal end (5) of the body inlet port (3) and includes a piston chamber inlet port (7). Piston chamber (6) has a piston (8) disposed therein and movable between a closed position substantially sealing the inlet port distal end (4) and an open position allowing communication between the body inlet port (4) and the piston chamber (6) where the piston (8) is resiliently biased towards the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: TURBOSMART PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher Doumbos
  • Patent number: 10378431
    Abstract: A split-cycle internal combustion engine (ICE) is provided, comprising a compression cylinder, an expansion cylinder and a crossover valve having a valve cylinder housing inside a shuttle and a combustion chamber structure defining a combustion chamber. The shuttle is configured to perform reciprocating motion inside the valve cylinder synchronously with a compression piston and an expansion piston, thereby alternatingly fluidly coupling and decoupling the combustion chamber with the compression cylinder and with the expansion cylinder, selectively. Sealing rings positioned between the valve cylinder and the shuttle prevent gas leaks between them during the reciprocating motion. In some embodiments, a phase shift between the pistons may be set or varied by a piston phase transmission gear. A bi-directional fluid flow split-cycle internal combustion engine (ICE) is also provided having a first cylinder, a second cylinder, a combustion chamber and a single crossover valve fluidly communicating them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Tour Engine, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilad Tour, Oded Tour, Hugo Benjamin Tour
  • Patent number: 10280810
    Abstract: An opposed piston engine is provided. The engine includes a mechanism enabling adjustment of a compression ratio of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Warren Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Warren, Scott G. Jorda, Dennis K. Scheer
  • Patent number: 9016255
    Abstract: A sleeve valve with a valve body that at least partially encircles at least one piston that moves in a reciprocating manner can, at least partially define with the at least one piston a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A valve actuation mechanism can move the sleeve valve between an open position and a closed position to control flow through a port of the internal combustion engine. The sealing edge of the sleeve valve can be urged against a valve seat by an urging force generated by the valve actuation mechanism when the sleeve valve is moved to the closed position. At least one of the sleeve valve and the valve seat can include a valve assistance feature that assists the valve actuation mechanism in resisting forces generated by the internal combustion engine in opposition to the urging force. Related articles, systems, and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael Hawkes
  • Publication number: 20140373802
    Abstract: Leakage of a liquid (e.g. a coolant and/or a lubricant) past a sleeve valve to a port in communication with a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine can be prevented by use of a substantially ring-shaped seal, which can be carried on the sleeve valve or disposed on a stationary part of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: James M. Cleeves
  • Patent number: 8904998
    Abstract: A sleeve valve assembly. The assembly includes a valve seat, a sleeve valve and an oil path-defining piece. The sleeve valve includes a distal end with a cavity. The distal end contacts the valve seat when the sleeve valve is located in a closed position. The oil path-defining piece includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a plurality of cooling passages. The flange of the sleeve valve is slidably in contact with the oil path-defining piece such that cooling fluid travelling into the inlet port and through the cooling passages enters into the cavity before exiting out the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Cleeves
  • Publication number: 20140311431
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Cleeves
  • Patent number: 8776756
    Abstract: Multi-section sleeve valves for internal combustion engines for improved aspiration. An open connecting rod section is separated from an internal, tubular passageway by a closed wall. A port section proximate the wall defines valve ports. A power stroke midsection borders the port section. An oiling section borders the midsection, and an open section adjacent the oiling section is in fluid flow communication with the tubular passageway. The lower-diameter midsection forms a relief annulus between the valve and the tunnel or sleeve in which the valve is disposed. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. High pressure gas is confined between axially spaced apart, stepped sealing rings that prevent gases from flowing axially about the valve exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Grace Capital Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Gary W Cotton
  • Patent number: 8677952
    Abstract: A drive train for the sleeve of a sleeve valve engine has a pair of drives imparting compound motion to the sleeve which gives improved port opening and closing. One drive uses a engine driven first gear to give eccentric motion to the sleeve by a cam and follower. The other drive uses an engine driven second gear to give a small simultaneous rotation to the sleeve by an eccentric pin during a split sleeve. One drive allows axial response without preventing rotational response from the other drive. The sleeve path allows tall narrow ports which allow the piston rings to be nearer the piston crown and this reduces emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Green Energy Gas Engines Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Angelo Beninca, Mark Frederick Jones
  • Publication number: 20140060468
    Abstract: A sleeve valve assembly. The assembly includes a valve seat, a sleeve valve and an oil path-defining piece. The sleeve valve includes a distal end with a cavity. The distal end contacts the valve seat when the sleeve valve is located in a closed position. The oil path-defining piece includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a plurality of cooling passages. The flange of the sleeve valve is slidably in contact with the oil path-defining piece such that cooling fluid travelling into the inlet port and through the cooling passages enters into the cavity before exiting out the exit port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Cleeves
  • Publication number: 20130319368
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine casing and a first piston configured to reciprocate relative to the engine casing. The first piston has a wall that defines a substantially cylindrical chamber. One or more second pistons are configured to reciprocate inside the substantially cylindrical chamber. A combustion chamber intake port and a combustion chamber exhaust port extend through the wall. A shutter is outside the wall and is movable between a first position substantially blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber exhaust port but not blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber intake port and a second position substantially blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber intake port but not blocking flow through the combustion chamber exhaust port. An actuator causes the shutter to move between the first position and the second position in response to the first piston reciprocating relative to the engine casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Motiv Engines LLC
    Inventor: John M. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8573178
    Abstract: A sleeve valve assembly. The assembly includes a valve seat, a sleeve valve and an oil path-defining piece. The sleeve valve includes a distal end with a cavity. The distal end contacts the valve seat when the sleeve valve is located in a closed position. The oil path-defining piece includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a plurality of cooling passages. The flange of the sleeve valve is slidably in contact with the oil path-defining piece such that cooling fluid travelling into the inlet port and through the cooling passages enters into the cavity before exiting out the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.
    Inventor: James M Cleeves
  • Patent number: 8499726
    Abstract: The invention provides a 2-stroke internal combustion engine comprising two opposed cylinders, each cylinder housing two opposed pistons and having at least one exhaust port and at least one intake port, and a crankshaft having asymmetrically arranged journals and scotch-yoke mechanisms for driving the journals from the pistons. The pistons in each cylinder operate to open its exhaust port or ports before its intake port or ports and to close its exhaust port or ports before its intake port or ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Cox Powertrain Ltd.
    Inventor: David Cox
  • Patent number: 8459227
    Abstract: Multi-section sleeve valves for internal combustion engines for improved aspiration. An open connecting rod section is separated from an internal, tubular passageway by a closed wall. A port section proximate the wall defines valve ports. A midsection borders the port section, and an open section adjacent the midsection is in fluid flow communication with the tubular passageway. The lower-diameter midsection forms a relief annulus between the valve and the tunnel or sleeve in which the valve is disposed. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. High pressure gas is confined between axially spaced apart, stepped sealing rings that prevent gases from flowing axially about the valve exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Grace Capital Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Cotton
  • Patent number: 8365697
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Cleeves
  • Publication number: 20120298065
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a movable piston (2), at least one inlet port (21a, 21b) for a working fluid, at least one transfer/scavenging port (14) for a working fluid, internally to a working space, and at least one exhaust port (16) from the working space, in which the said at least one transfer/scavenging port (14) is provided with closure means including a reciprocatable sleeve (1) which is parallel to the axis of and linked synchronously with, the piston movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: RITRANS LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Fredric Ellis
  • Publication number: 20120192827
    Abstract: Multi-section sleeve valves for internal combustion engines for improved aspiration. An open connecting rod section is separated from an internal, tubular passageway by a closed wall. A port section proximate the wall defines valve ports. A midsection borders the port section, and an open section adjacent the midsection is in fluid flow communication with the tubular passageway. The lower-diameter midsection forms a relief annulus between the valve and the tunnel or sleeve in which the valve is disposed. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. High pressure gas is confined between axially spaced apart, stepped sealing rings that prevent gases from flowing axially about the valve exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Gary W. Cotton
  • Patent number: 8210147
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine uses separate, tubular and hollow reciprocating sleeve valves that open and close intake and exhaust passageways for improved aspiration. The sliding sleeve valves are disposed within sleeves horizontally disposed within a modified head secured above the combustion chamber. The valves are driven in a path normal to the engine pistons by an independent crankshaft that is rotated through an external pulley driven by the engine crankshaft. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. Each valve body has a reduced diameter midsection forming a relief annulus that distributes shearing pressures about the circumference of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Grace Capital Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Gary W. Cotton
  • Publication number: 20120085309
    Abstract: A sleeve valve with a valve body that at least partially encircles at least one piston that moves in a reciprocating manner can, at least partially define with the at least one piston a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A valve actuation mechanism can move the sleeve valve between an open position and a closed position to control flow through a port of the internal combustion engine. The sealing edge of the sleeve valve can be urged against a valve seat by an urging force generated by the valve actuation mechanism when the sleeve valve is moved to the closed position. At least one of the sleeve valve and the valve seat can include a valve assistance feature that assists the valve actuation mechanism in resisting forces generated by the internal combustion engine in opposition to the urging force. Related articles, systems, and methods are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael Hawkes
  • Publication number: 20120085305
    Abstract: Various types of valve systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a positive control reciprocating sleeve valve system for use with an internal combustion engine includes opening and closing rockers controlled by corresponding opening and closing cam lobes. In one aspect of this embodiment, interference can be designed into the valve control system to provide additional “hold-closed” force to hold the valve against its seat during a portion of the engine cycle. In another aspect of this embodiment, positive control valve systems can include compliant components and systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or mechanical spring systems to control valve lash, facilitate sealing, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: Pinnacle Engines, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael Hawkes, William H. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8127734
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine employing a valve regulating the passage of a fluid between the hollow interior of the combustion chamber and the atmosphere. The valve includes a valve body having a valve opening and a blade track passing around the valve opening. A guillotine blade slides linearly along the blade track between an open position in which said fluid may pass through the valve opening and a closed position in which the fluid is restricted from passing through the valve opening. A reciprocating driver moves the guillotine blade along the blade track when actuated by an electronic control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jack Jolley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8087393
    Abstract: A valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine, the valve apparatus including: a main part having a wall section defining a valve cavity extending along a longitudinal length of the main part and an opening located in the wall section of the main part, the opening flow connected to the combustion chamber; an outer part configured and arranged so as to be reciprocally located in the valve cavity, the outer part having a wall section defining an inner passage extending along a longitudinal axis thereof; an inner part having a first end situated outside of the cavity and a second end situated within the cavity and the inner passage of the outer part, the inner part having a wall section defining an inner passage, a first opening at the first end, and one or more openings in that part of the walled section which is situated within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Arrow Leads, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard Cascia
  • Publication number: 20110283962
    Abstract: A drive train for the sleeve of a sleeve valve engine has a pair of drives imparting compound motion to the sleeve which gives improved port opening and closing. One drive uses a engine driven first gear to give eccentric motion to the sleeve by a cam and follower. The other drive uses an engine driven second gear to give a small simultaneous rotation to the sleeve by an eccentric pin during a split sleeve. One drive allows axial response without preventing rotational response from the other drive. The sleeve path allows tall narrow ports which allow the piston rings to be nearer the piston crown and this reduces emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Angelo Beninca, Mark Frederick Jones
  • Patent number: 7921817
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cleeves Engines Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Cleeves
  • Publication number: 20100212622
    Abstract: A sleeve valve assembly. The assembly includes a valve seat, a sleeve valve and an oil path-defining piece. The sleeve valve includes a distal end with a cavity. The distal end contacts the valve seat when the sleeve valve is located in a closed position. The oil path-defining piece includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a plurality of cooling passages. The flange of the sleeve valve is slidably in contact with the oil path-defining piece such that cooling fluid travelling into the inlet port and through the cooling passages enters into the cavity before exiting out the exit port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: CLEEVES ENGINES INC.
    Inventor: James M. Cleeves
  • Publication number: 20100192916
    Abstract: A sleeve valve (13) slides axially along the cylinder (10) while simultaneously rotating about the axis of the cylinder (10). The sleeve valve (13) has sleeve ports (23). A piston (14) reciprocates within the sleeve valve (13) and within the cylinder (10) to define a combustion chamber. A sleeve valve driving mechanism (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31) drives the sleeve valve (13) to slide axially along and rotate in the cylinder (10) in timed relationship with reciprocation of the piston (14) in the cylinder (10). The sleeve valve (13) is driven between two extreme positions in each stroke and the sleeve driving mechanism (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31) is operable to vary in locations the two extreme positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Lotus Cars Limited
    Inventor: James William Griffith Turner
  • Patent number: 7669560
    Abstract: A gas exchange control mechanism for an opposed-piston engine which opens and closes inlet and outlet slots provided in the cylinder irrespective of the position of the pistons. The opposed pistons are guided completely or partially during stroke in sliding sleeves during operation of the engine. The sleeves may reciprocate mechanically, electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically in a linear manner. The sliding sleeves are adapted to open and close gas guide channels located in the engine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Günter Elsbett
  • Publication number: 20100012071
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine uses separate, tubular and hollow reciprocating sleeve valves that open and close intake and exhaust passageways for improved aspiration. The sliding sleeve valves are disposed within sleeves horizontally disposed within a modified head secured above the combustion chamber. The valves are driven in a path normal to the engine pistons by an independent crankshaft that is rotated through an external pulley driven by the engine crankshaft. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. Each valve body has a reduced diameter midsection forming a relief annulus that distributes shearing pressures about the circumference of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Gary W. Cotton
  • Patent number: 7559298
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Cleeves Engines Inc.
    Inventor: James M Cleeves
  • Patent number: 7533656
    Abstract: An exhaust valve arrangement for use in a combustion chamber of a compression ignition internal combustion engine, includes a piston which is movable outwardly from the combustion chamber in response to pressure generated within the combustion chamber as a result of combustion, and an outer sleeve within which the piston is movable. The outer sleeve is an exhaust valve which is actuable between open and closed positions to open and close, respectively, an exhaust passage from the combustion chamber. The exhaust valve arrangement further includes a pump chamber for receiving fluid, and a pumping plunger coupled to the piston and movable with the piston so as to pressurise fluid (e.g. fuel) within the pump chamber as the piston is urged outwardly from the combustion chamber. The pressure within the pump chamber is proportional to cylinder pressure and is sensed by a sensor which provides an output signal to an Engine Control Unit (ECU 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. G. Dingle
  • Patent number: 7234423
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an internal combustion engine having reciprocating piston sleeves is realized comprising an engine block with a pair of cylinders, each cylinder having an intake port, an exhaust port and two linearly opposing pistons connected to two opposing crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in each cylinder, one piston sleeve around each piston. Each piston sleeve is connected to one of two eccentric shafts that run parallel and adjacent to each crankshaft. The piston sleeves have ported slots in communication with either the intake ports or the exhaust ports of each cylinder. The eccentric shafts are mechanically connected to the crankshafts such that they move in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Maurice E. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 7134410
    Abstract: Disclosed is a simple, easy-to-produce, and reliable connection between a shaft of a gas exchange valve and an actuator. This connection is detachable and, as a result, can be connected and disconnected multiple times. It is also possible to dispose the coupling piece on the shaft of the gas exchange valve and provide circumferential grooves on the control element of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Gaessler, Udo Diehl, Karsten Mischker, Rainer Walter, Andreas Baumann, Gerhard Filp, Bernd Rosenau, Juergen Ulm, Thomas Mocken, Sevan Tatiyosyan, Juergen Schiemann, Christian Grosse, Georg Mallebrein, Volker Beuche, Stefan Reimer, Simon Kieser
  • Patent number: 7032549
    Abstract: A valve lift sensor detects the position of an engine valve. The valve lift sensor includes a movable target carried on an engine valve and a stationary coil carried within an engine valve assembly. A signal generator energizes the coil with an oscillating voltage to create an oscillating magnetic field, which is concentric to the coil for inductive transfer with the target. A comparator compares the voltage from the signal generator with the voltage at the resistor to determine the phase lag of resistor voltage relative to signal generator voltage and indicate the engine valve position. Using the phase lag, the comparator provides a pulse-width-modulated signal with a duty cycle proportional to the valve lift to an engine valve control operable to control the operation of the engine valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas R. Verner, Craig D. Marriott
  • Patent number: 6871619
    Abstract: A valve actuator for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, having a sleeve-shaped positioning piston, which is connected to a valve shaft, having at least two shell-shaped wedge parts, enclosing a shaft end of the valve shaft, on whose radial outer peripheral surface a section shaped like a conical casing is implemented and which are axially connected on their inner side to the shaft end in a form-locked and rotatable manner, the valve actuator having a separate threaded sleeve, which has a threaded connection to the positioning piston or a component connected to the positioning piston and also axially clamps the wedge parts to a conical clamp sleeve via their section shaped like a conical casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hammer, Stefan Reimer
  • Patent number: 6736090
    Abstract: An engine valve device, wherein an opening part (7) smaller in area than the end surface of a piston (5) is provided in the end surface of a cylinder (3) to form a valve seat (8), and a valve disc (9) in contact with the valve seat (8) is disposed on the outerside of the valve seat (8) so that the cylinder (3) can be moved away from and toward the valve disc (9) and, in a compression stroke when the piston (5) rises, the valve seat (8) is in press-contact with the fixed valve disc (9) because upward force is applied to the upper end surface of the cylinder (3) and the cylinder (3) is urged toward the valve disc, and the area of the opening part is increasable up to the ultimate diameter of the piston, providing a highly airtight, simple-structured valve device yielding high engine energy efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Masaharu Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6729287
    Abstract: A connection between a shaft end of a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine and a sleevelike actuating piston of a valve actuator, has at least two shell-like key pieces, surrounding the shaft end and on whose radially outer circumferential surface there is a conically tapering portion, pointing away from a combustion chamber of the engine, and extending in complementary fashion to the cone angle of a radially inner conical portion of a conical fastening sleeve that includes the key pieces, and the conical fastening sleeve and the key pieces can be braced axially against one another. Protrusions and recesses engaging one another are provided on the radially inner circumferential surface of the key pieces and on the radially outer circumferential surface of the shaft end of the gas exchange valve. The conical fastening sleeve is formed by the actuating piston and the actuating piston and the key pieces have threaded portions that can be screwed into one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Hammer, Sevan Tatiyosyan, Volker Beuche, Peter Lang, Stefan Reimer
  • Publication number: 20030226537
    Abstract: The invention appertains to a gas exhaust device for 4-stroke piston engines, in the cylinder of which combustible gases and air rotate around the vertical axis of the cylinder without being mixed, and combustible gases and air escape through a gap created by a vertically movable ring valve and a stationary ring valve support seated in the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventor: Josef Schaich
  • Patent number: 6202616
    Abstract: The present invention is a valve seal assembly used to prevent the lubricating fluid used to lubricate a valve stem and valve guide from entering the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The valve seal assembly has an outer side surface that sealingly engages the engine housing of the internal combustion engine. The valve seal assembly is also preferably located near the end of the valve guide that is closest to the combustion chamber. The valve seal assembly also includes a resilient sealing element that has an improved sealing lip for preventing the lubricating fluid from traveling past the sealing lip. The sealing lip is also positioned in order to extend the operating life and effectiveness of the valve seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Gary J. Gracyalny