Abstract: A switchable cam follower (1) for a valve train (1b) of an internal combustion engine (1c) which is indirectly actuatable via tappet push rods (1a), the cam follower (1) comprising an outer section (2) which encloses an inner section (4) that is axially movable relative thereto, the outer section (2) having a pot-shaped configuration with a bottom (6) which comprises an end (5) for cam contact and separates the inner section (4) from a cam (4a) whereby upon coupling of the sections (2, 4) by a coupling means (23), a high lift of a gas exchange valve (22a) is effected, and upon uncoupling of the sections (2, 4), a zero lift, the cam follower (1) having a relatively simple structure with only a small design space requirement and can be installed in receptions (20a) of the internal combustion engine (1c) as provided hitherto for non-switchable cam followers.

Abstract: A superchargeable internal combustion engine with cylinder cut-off has a first cylinder group which operates over the entire operating range of the internal combustion engine. A second cylinder group is cut off or connected up as a function of demand. The engine's response dynamics when the second cylinder group is connected up by providing an exhaust-gas turbocharger which is used exclusively for supercharging the first cylinder group. A mechanical supercharger is provided which is used exclusively for supercharging the second cylinder group.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes three engine modules. Each engine module having an associated crankshaft segment. A first clutch is provided for connecting the first crankshaft segment to the second crankshaft segment such that the first and second crankshafts are indexed at 90.degree. with respect to one another. A second clutch is provided for connecting the second crankshaft segment to the third crankshaft segment such that the second and third crankshaft segments are indexed at 90.degree. with respect to one another. A spring connects the first crankshaft segment via the first clutch to the second crankshaft segment. The spring winds to cause the second crankshaft segment to lag behind the first crankshaft segment 30.degree. such that the first, second, and third crankshafts rotate at 60.degree. intervals with respect to one another when the first, second, and third engine modules are in operation and the first, second, and third crankshafts are connected.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine with partial cylinder switch-off mechanism which is switchable between an all-cylinder operation mode in which all cylinders are operated and a partial-cylinder operation mode in which operation of partial cylinders is suspended, the operation of intake valves and exhaust valves is suspended or resumed in a predetermined order with respect to all of the suspended cylinders irrespective of a rotational frequency of the engine. There are provided a solenoid valve on an intake side and a solenoid valve on an exhaust side for switching input hydraulic pressures for hydraulically operated switching devices respectively on the intake side and on the exhaust side between the driving state and the drive-free state. At the time of switching the operation, one of the solenoid valves on the intake side and the exhaust side is driven in advance. The subsequent number of rotations of a crankshaft is counted.

Abstract: An apparatus for switching off a load change valve of an internal combustion engine has a camshaft with a cam disk and a pivot lever pivotably connected to an engine part and pivoted back and forth by the cam disk. An actuator is moveably guided in the pivot lever for actuating the load change valve. A coupling member moveable in the pivot lever has two end positions defining a coupling and a decoupling position. In the coupling position the coupling member rigidly connects the actuator and the pivot lever. In the decoupling position the coupling member releases the actuator from the pivot lever to switch off the load change valve. A device for moving the coupling member into the coupling position and the decoupling position is provided. It has a coupling cam rotating at a same speed as the cam disk. It also has a coupling lever acting on the coupling member.

Abstract: An automobile includes an engine and an engine controller. The engine includes multiple cylinders. Each cylinder hyas a fuel injector connected to the engine controller. The engine controller has a first output which activates a first fraction of the fuel injectors. In addition, the engine controller has a second output which activates a second fraction of the fuel injectors. The engine controller also has an input which provides a timing signal synchronous with rotation of the engine and a sequencing circuit responsive to the timing signal. The sequencing circuit periodically alternates between the first and second output in synchronization with the rotation of the engine.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for controlling an internal combustion engine are suggested wherein a pregiven number of cylinders are shut off for reducing consumption and for reducing toxic substances in predetermined operating conditions. To maintain the torque desired by the driver, a correction of the ignition angle and/or a control of the cylinders to be suppressed is undertaken especially in the transition phase to cylinder shutoff and when switching on the cylinders. This is in addition to a corresponding influencing of the charge.

Abstract: A valve deactivator assembly (13) for an internal combustion engine, the assembly including a drive rocker arm (39) receiving cyclical motion from an engine push rod (23), and a driven rocker arm (41) which engages the engine poppet valve (29). The rocker arms are biased by a lost motion spring (49) to a position in which the rocker arms align to define a latching chamber (63), having a moveable latch member (65) disposed therein and biased by a spring (67) toward a latched position (FIG. 1). An electromagnetic actuator assembly (81) is disposed adjacent the rocker arms (39,41) and in response to an input signal (88), exerts a force on an actuation shaft (93) and an actuation beam (97) to move the latch member (65) toward its unlatched position (FIG. 3). The invention provides an effective, compact valve deactivator which can change quickly between the latched and unlatched conditions.

Abstract: The valve control mechanism is suitable for use in a valve train which transmits lifts from a cam (11) located on a camshaft (10) of an internal combustion engine to a cylinder head valve (217) of the internal combustion engine and which has a first abutment member (212) in abutment with the cam (11) and a second abutment member (215) in abutment with the top of the stem of the cylinder head valve (217). The valve control mechanism comprises a first tappet member (212) slidable in a bore in the engine, a second tappet member (213) moveable relative to the first tappet member (212) and locking means (220, 221, 222, 223) capable of locking the first (212) and the second (213) tappet members to move together. When the locking means (220, 221, 222, 223) locks the first (212) and second (213) tappet members to move together, the valve control mechanism transmits all of the lift of the cam (11) to the cylinder head valve (217).

Abstract: A variable displacement internal combustion engine having a series of at least three cylinders, each having a piston attached to a connecting rod which drives a crankshaft which is common to the three cylinders, wherein the cylinders include a first cylinder, a second cylinder having about twice the capacity of the first cylinder, and a third cylinder having about twice the capacity of the second cylinder, and in which each cylinder may be independently deactivated to allow selected cylinders to operate in an idle mode, whereby the power output of the engine may be widely varied. Preferably, the engine has its cylinders arranged in opposed pairs of first, second, and third cylinders, and also has a pair of fourth cylinders which are each twice the capacity of each third cylinder.

Abstract: A device for actuating valves of a reciprocating engine, such as a reciprocating internal combustion engine, includes a lever arrangement having a cam lever and having an adjustment device for adjusting an idle stroke in relation to the valves; a control shaft on which the cam lever is positioned and which can be turned back and forth relative to the lever arrangement so that the adjustment device is actuated; at least one camshaft each having a respective cam which acts upon the lever arrangement to actuate at least one valve, wherein the cam lever is positioned pivotally on the control shaft, in contact with at least one cam on one side thereof, and in contact with the at least one valve to be actuated on another side thereof, wherein the control shaft has a pressure medium channel for supplying a fluid medium defined therein, wherein the control shaft has a cross bore defined therein in communication with the pressure medium channel, and wherein the adjustment device is an hydraulic adjustment device inclu

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring catalyst efficiency in a catalytic converter of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of: (a) detecting an oxygen level of an exhaust gas from the vehicle's engine by using an oxygen sensor positioned at the outlet of the catalytic converter; (b) terminating fuel flow to the vehicle's engine; (c) detecting a change in the oxygen level in response to terminating fuel flow; (d) determining a time period from termination of fuel flow to detection of the change in oxygen level; and then (e) compensating this time period with respect to an exhaust flowrate, such that the compensated time period is indicative of catalyst efficiency of the catalytic converter. More specifically, the exhaust flowrate is determined from a manifold absolute pressure and an engine rotational speed of the engine. To achieve reliable and consistent results, catalyst monitoring of the present invention is only enabled under preferred vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A decompression engine brake device is incorporated with an internal combustion engine. The device comprises an exhaust valve arranged to open and close an exhaust port of a combustion chamber of the engine. A valve stem extends from the exhaust valve. A valve lifter is slidably disposed in a cylinder head of the engine. The valve lifter has the valve stem contacting thereto. An exhaust cam disposed about an exhaust cam shaft is operatively engageable with the valve lifter to actuate the exhaust valve in accordance with a contour of the exhaust cam. An engine brake cam is defined by the exhaust cam. A hydraulically operating device is employed for inducing an operative engagement between the engine brake cam with the valve lifter thereby to actuate the exhaust valve in accordance with a contour of the engine brake cam.

Abstract: An engine shutdown valve comprises a housing and a gate movable within a housing between a first position where the air flow through the shutdown valve is substantially unrestricted to a second position where the opening is restricted thereby stopping air flow. The gate is pivotable about an axis. The gate has an extension with a recess which is engageable by a piston movable between a first position where the gate is held in its latched position and a second position out of engagement with the recess so as to allow the gate to move to a position where the air passageway is closed. The gate is movable by a rod attached to the gate lever and which rod is biased by a compression spring mounted within a sleeve. The spring is adjustable to increase or decrease the force on the gate and such adjustment can be accomplished from outside the shutdown without disassembly of the entire valve.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder spark ignition internal combustion engine is described having two banks of cylinders 10a, 10b. One bank of cylinders may be selectively disabled by cutting off its fuel supply while continuing to receive air. The exhaust system includes an NO.sub.x trap 20 to store NO.sub.x gases while the exhaust gases contain excess air. During part load operation, the engine is run with one bank of cylinders disabled most of the time during which NO.sub.x gases are stored in the NO.sub.x trap 20. In order to permit the trap 20 to be regenerated or purged periodically, both bank are fired at is the same time for short intervals to supply a stoichiometric or reducing mixture to the exhaust system.

Abstract: An engine control for an engine powering a watercraft is disclosed. The engine has a body defining at least two combustion chambers. An air supply system supplies air to the combustion chambers, the air supply system including a throttle control for controlling the flow rate of air to the engine, the throttle control moveable between an open and a closed position. A fuel supply system supplies fuel to the combustion chambers. At least one ignition element ignites the air and fuel supplied to the combustion chambers. At least one exhaust passage leads from the combustion chamber to a point exterior to the body through which exhaust may pass. Exhaust control means are provided for controlling the timing of the flow of exhaust through the passage.

Abstract: A valve drive comprising a rocker arm (1) is provided with coupling means (13) for switching off a gas exchange valve. The coupling means (13) is hydraulically actuatable against the force of a spring (15) and the hydraulic actuation is effected from an oil supply (20) of a hydraulic clearance compensation element (6) arranged in the rocker arm (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of a vehicle's multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The engine runs at best BSFC by intermittently disabling cylinders for torque control. The engine runs as an air compressor for braking, and after braking, runs as an air motor driven by the stored compressed air. The air motor capability permits stopping all fuel flow when the accelerator is released at any engine speed. Variable engine valve control eliminates the conventional throttle and EGR valve, and is utilized for maximum thermodynamic efficiency during air operation. A camshaft retard is utilized to minimize the pressurized components and to prevent cooling the catalyst during air motor operation.

Abstract: In a method of operating a piston-type internal combustion engine including cylinders with gas exchange valves of which at least some are closed when the engine is operated in an engine-driven state above a predetermined engine speed and the engine includes an electrically operated coolant circulating pump wherein the coolant circulating pump speed is controlled depending on the number of cylinders shut down during operation in the engine driven state.

Abstract: A method for improving efficiency and reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine. Variable displacement engine capabilities are achieved by disabling engine valves during load changes and constant load operations. Active cylinders may be operated at minimum BSFC by intermittently disabling other cylinders to provide the desired net torque. Disabling is begun by early closing of the intake valve to provide a vacuum at BDC which will result in no net gas flow across the piston rings, and minimum loss of compression energy in the disabled cylinder; this saving in engine friction losses is significant with multiple disablements.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting the operating mode of a variable displacement engine includes a controller with a stored engine map, an engine speed sensor, and an inferred desired fractional manifold vacuum which would be required for the engine to operate on a fractional number of cylinders, given the driver's current torque requirements, a specific emissions calibration, and environmental conditions, deriving this inferred desired fractional manifold vacuum from stored information and assorted engine sensor input. The system compares its inferred desired fractional manifold vacuum and current engine speed to one or more stored maps of inferred desired fractional manifold vacuum versus engine speed in order to decide which operating mode should be selected.

Abstract: A cylinder of a mode selective internal combustion engine is operable in two modes, including one active mode with conventional operations of cylinder valves and another passive mode with continuously closed or open engine valves. By creating ideal combustion conditions in all active cylinder cycles throughout a range of loads, the engine has improved brake thermal efficiency and produces less effluents. A mode camshaft turned at or close to an integer fractional speed of the primary camshaft synchronizes change of mode of each cylinder valve within its inactive phase in the working cycle, and further provides for change of mode of suction and exhaust valves in the same cycle.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine in which exhaust gases undergo subsequent treatment. To ensure a gaseous exchange, air is supplied to the individual cylinders through inlet devices and exhaust gases are discharged through outlet or exhaust devices. The inlet and outlet devices are independently driven but their opening and closing times may be synchronized. Beginning in the cold start phase until the warming up phase, fuel is supplied to only part of the cylinders that act as an engine and the supply of fuel to the other cylinders is cut off. The other cylinders work then as compressors. The air volume heated in these cylinders by compression flows through the outlet device into the exhaust gas system and reacts with the exhaust gases.

Abstract: An arrangement for interrupting the flow of force between a camshaft and a valve in the valve gear of an internal combustion piston engine comprises a camshaft with a cam, a rocking lever which is mounted fixedly with respect to the engine casing and the rocking movement of which is actuated by the cam and an actuating member mounted on the rocking lever and guided on the rocking lever movably relative thereto, for actuation of the valve. A movable coupling member is mounted on the rocking lever and is movable by means of an actuating device into a first position in which for actuation of the valve it provides a rigid connection between the rocking lever and the actuating member and into a second position in which the actuating member is movable relative to the rocking lever so that actuation of the valve is interrupted.

Abstract: A valve deactivator assembly (43) for an internal combustion engine. The deactivator assembly (43) is of the type having a two-stage latchable means (49) movable between a latched (FIG. 3) position, effecting normal valve opening and closing, and an unlatched (FIG. 4) position, in which valve opening and closing may either be reduced or eliminated. The deactivator assembly (43) includes a rotatable latch member (69) which is rotated between the latched and unlatched positions by a electromagnetic actuator (51), including a rotatable armature (75) which is fixed to rotate with the latch member (69). With the arrangement of the invention, having no linkage, and very little inertia, movement between the latched and unlatched positions can occur during a single revolution of the engine cam shaft.

Abstract: In a V type engine comprising a catalyst in each of banks, when a fuel cut requirement on the basis of a traction control is generated, cylinders in which the fuel is cut are controlled to be switched between right and left banks. For example, when a requirement for a fuel cut with respect to two cylinders, at first, after the fuel cut of two cylinders are performed in the right bank for a predetermined time, the fuel cut of two cylinder are performed in the left bank for a predetermined time and this operation is repeated during a continuing time of the fuel cut. Accordingly, a thermal damage due to the fuel cut can be prevented from concentrating only to one catalyst.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for selective actuation of at least one gas exchange valve includes two members (2, 3) which can be selectively coupled through radially moveable coupling element (7), thereby facilitating the return flow of the hydraulic fluid acting upon the coupling element (7) in the direction of displacement especially at low ambient temperatures of the internal combustion engine and thus highly viscous hydraulic fluid. According to the invention, a relief channel (20) with an orifice plate (18) is installed in the return channel. With an orifice plate (18) of this type, the volume flow rate of the hydraulic fluid is largely independent of the viscosity, so that the coupling element (7) can be reset sufficiently fast even at low ambient temperatures.

Abstract: A valve drive of an internal combustion engine, includes a switching mechanism incorporated in a support element for support of a cam follower disposed in driving relationship between a camshaft and the gas exchange valve for switching a gas exchange valve to different valve lift curves in response to an operation of a cam arrangement, whereby the switching mechanism has a hollow cylindrical housing defining an axis and received within an enveloping outer casing, an inner element axially displaceable relative to the housing and so received within the housing as to form at their interface an annular gap, and a coupling mechanism movable in a radial direction in a first radial bore arrangement so as to couple the inner element with the housing in a base circle phase of the cam arrangement by bridging the annular gap to thereby maintain a contact of the cam follower upon the cam arrangement, and movable in a radial direction in a second bore arrangement which is spaced from the first radial bore arrangement in d

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for reducing emissions in catalytic converter exhaust systems for an internal combustion engine. The invention comprises air-fuel mixture forming means for providing a mixture of air-fuel to the engine, a catalytic converter for purifying an exhaust gas mixture from the engine, and a control unit adapted for controlling the mixture forming means so that an excess of hydrogen is generated in the exhaust gas mixture during the start-up of the engine. According to the invention, the excess of hydrogen is maintained essentially unburnt within the catalytic converter so as to provide a short light-off time for the catalytic converter.

Abstract: In a valve gear-mechanism for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, the inlet valves (E1, E2) are actuated optionally by first cams on a camshaft via first finger levers (7) or by second cams via second finger levers (9), the first and second finger levers being separate or linked together by coupling pins (13) to which a pressure medium can be applied via a longitudinal channel (15) in the finger lever shaft. In order to be able to cut individual cylinders out, the first cams allocated to the inlet valves (E1) of the cylinder concerned have a zero-lift contour and in the longitudinal channel (15) there is a sealed section (15a) allocated to one of said valves (E1) which can individually be connected to a source of pressure medium so that, when the supply of pressure medium is interrupted, the inlet valves of said cylinder are stopped and, on connection to the source of pressure medium, the inlet valves are actuated in accordance with the contour of the second cam.

Abstract: A high horsepower diesel engine is operated in a skip firing mode in which the engine includes a plurality of individually controllable, fuel injected cylinders. The system senses that the engine is operating in a low horsepower mode and has a low fuel demand and thereafter selects a firing pattern of cylinders to be fired during each revolution of the engine crankshaft based upon the values of the sensed fuel demand and engine horsepower. The pattern selected for firing the cylinders is arranged such that all cylinders of the engine are fired within a preselected number of crankshaft rotations. The system also senses the engine air-fuel ratio and adjusts the pattern of cylinders being fired so as to maintain exhaust emissions below a preselected level. Additionally, the pattern of fired cylinders may be adjusted to maintain engine operating temperature and as a function of engine speed.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of two-cycle crankcase compression direct injected internal combustion engines wherein engine speed is controlled under at least some running conditions by cylinder disabling. Exhaust systems including exhaust control valves for precluding the passage of cooler gasses from the disabled cylinders to the operating cylinders through their exhaust ports are illustrated in varying forms and for various types of engines.

Abstract: A diesel engine operated with cylinder cut-out is disclosed. The number of operative cylinders is proportional to the load on the engine. A computer stops the flow of fuel to the deactivated cylinders. The computer energizes the glow plugs of the deactived cylinders if the deactivated cylinder temperatures are below a predetermined minimum temperature before reactivating the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for shutting down and restarting individual cylinders of a multicylinder internal combustion engine by deactivating the charge change valves and the fuel injection. According to the invention, in shutting down a selected cylinder, the exhaust valve is disconnected first in all cases. Thereafter, the intake valve and fuel injection for the selected cylinder are controlled such that the last fuel injection into that cylinder takes place immediately before the last intake cycle. When a cylinder is restarted, the exhaust valve is always operated first, and only thereafter is the intake valve opened, with the first fuel injection always taking place immediately before the first intake cycle.

Abstract: A method for cylinder cutout in an internal combustion engine, with the engine having charge exchange valves on a portion of its cylinders. The charge exchange valves can be cut out as well as a switchable fuel supply, both of which can be switched from a cut-out or cut-off state to a cut-in state and vice versa. In order to provide a method for cylinder cutout that permits a safe transition from operation in which they are not cut out to one in which they are cut out, and by which the effects of cylinder cutout on fuel consumption and exhaust behavior are minimized, the fuel supply and the charge exchange valves may be cut out separately or in parallel. Before cylinder cutout, both the time required to cut out the charge exchange valves and the time required to cut off the fuel supply are calculated. Then these two times are compared and a waiting time is determined for the shorter process. When the next reference mark on the internal combustion engine is reached, both processes can proceed independently.

Abstract: A tappet (1) is to be engageable on to at least three different cam profiles with an optional zero lift. To this end the tappet (1) consists of an annular base section (2) enclosing a circular base section (3). Both base sections (2, 3) can be coupled together via radially adjustable coupling devices (10). An additional, axially movable inner piston (18) is fitted in a guide sleeve (7) of the circular base section (3). The inner piston (18) can be decoupled via further coupling means (23) so that the tappet (1) can be completely decoupled from the guide sleeve (7).

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism which can be set to three different strokes for a gas exchange valve includes a finger lever actuated by a control cam with a single lift curve, with the finger lever being selectively connectable to a longitudinal guide in the region of its bearing member via incorporation of a piston that is movable in various positions. In a first coupling position of the piston, the bearing member is fixed to the longitudinal guide so that the finger lever executes a maximum pivot during the lift phase of the cam. In a second coupling position of the piston the finger lever is moved axially along the longitudinal guide during a complete cam lift so that the opening cross section of the gas exchange valve is smaller than in the first coupling step. In a third coupling step of the piston, the finger lever executes an idle stroke-pivoting movement on its point of contact on the gas exchange valve which remains closed.

Abstract: A two-cycle internal combustion engine control method and system wherein economy of fuel consumption and emission control is achieved by skipping fuel injection for a number of cycles dependent upon a decrease in the engine speed and load below a predetermined value. When fuel injection is skipped, the duration of fuel injection is increased. The escape of unburned fuel from the exhaust port is achieved when the fuel injection amount is increased by advancing the timing of the fuel injection and by retarding the opening of the exhaust port.

Abstract: A fuel induction system for an internal combustion engine which includes a throttle valve that is positioned substantially open under idle and near idle engine running conditions. The system includes means for disabling one or many of the cylinders in order to maintain a low engine rotational speed at idle and near idle and also means for selectively disabling the cylinders in such a manner as to provide the smoothest running engine possible in those instances where one or many of the engine's cylinders are disabled. Smooth transitional control is achieved by varying ignition and/or fuel control.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of multiple-valve internal combustion engines having at least some of the valves being deactivatable by means of a hydraulic tappet assembly so as to control the flow path and flow pattern into and out of the combustion chamber. A hydraulic system is provided for controlling which of the valves operate and, if desired, the lift of the valves.

Abstract: A method for cylinder cut-in in an internal combustion engine, with the engine having on a portion of its cylinders. The charge changing valves can be cut out as well as a switchable fuel supply, both of which can be switched from a cut-out or cut-off state to a cut-in state and vice versa. In order to provide a method for cylinder cut-in that permits a safe transition from operation in which they are cut out to one in which they are not cut out, and by which the effects of this switch are exhaust behavior are minimized, the charge changing valves are cut in first and then, after checking to determine whether the charge changing valves have been switched, the fuel supply is cut in to the cylinders that were previously cut out.

Abstract: A support element (1) is designed to be disconnected by a lift movement of a control cam, and includes radially movable coupling elements (12). To disconnect the support element (1), the coupling elements (12) are moved inwards by hydraulic medium, while at the same time a piston (4) communicating with the finger lever is held in cam-distant position by the hydraulic medium.

Abstract: A cylinder valve operating system comprises a pivotable rocker arm engaged with at least one cylinder valve, a first free cam follower supported by the rocker arm and driven by a first cam with a cam profile suitable for operation at low engine speeds, a second free cam follower supported by the rocker arm and driven by a second cam with a cam profile suitable for operation at high engine speeds, a first lever for establishing a positive motion connection between the first free cam follower and the rocker arm, a second lever for establishing a positive motion connection between the second free cam follower and the rocker arm, and a hydraulic driver for the first and second levers.

Abstract: A valve control system for an internal combustion engine including a poppet valve (21) and high lift (15) and low lilt (31) cam lobes. A latchable rocker arm includes an outer rocker arm (33) and an inner rocker arm (35), and a slider mechanism (37) which is biased by a spring (67) to the high lilt mode (FIG. 1). An actuator assembly (27) includes and arm (103) biased by a spring (101) into engagement with the slider (37), biasing the slider toward the unlatched (low lift) mode (FIG. 2 ). The actuator (27) includes an electromagnetic coil (83) which moves an armature (87) into engagement with the arm (103), biasing the arm in opposition to the force of the actuator spring (101), but aided initially by the force of the slider spring (67).

Abstract: The valve control means for use in an internal combustion engine has a valve member 180, a cam assembly comprising a rotatable camshaft (185) having a first portion (181) and a second portion (182) having a different cross section from the first portion (181). The valve control assembly comprises first follower member (100) engageable with the valve member (180) and engageable with the first portion (181), a hydraulic lash adjuster assembly provided in the first follower member (100). A second follower assembly (150) moveable relative to the first follower member (100) and engageable with the second portion (182) and a linking assembly (160, 163, 167) to enable the first (100) and second (150) followers to be linked together.

Abstract: In an arrangement for operating the intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine wherein valve actua-ting and coupling levers are pivotally supported in side-by-side relationship on a lever support shaft extending parallel to an overhead cam shaft, and the coupling and valve actuating levers have guide bores receiving a coupling bolt so as to be movable into and out of a coupling lever and valve actuating lever coupling relationship and further a hydraulic valve clearance compensating element is disposed in a bore formed at the end of the actuating lever adjacent a valve, the guide bore center axis is spaced from the lever support shaft axis by a distance which is greater than the distance between the guide bore center axis and the axis of the valve clearance compensating element, and the support lever shaft axis, the center axis of the guide bores and the engagement line of the cam define approximately an isosceles triangle whose sides of equal length are formed by the distance between the enga

Abstract: A latchable rocker arm is actuated with a solenoid device having a stator and an armature where the armature is connected to an output link which is connected to a first connecting link and a second connecting link which are disposed to form a "knee" linkage where in the fully actuated state the first connecting link and the second connecting link are in substantial axial alignment. A pivoted output link is connected to the first connecting link for contacting and actuating the latchable rocker arm.

Abstract: A valve control system for an internal combustion engine which does not require synchronization with the engine rotation is disclosed. The system includes an actuator having a coil electrically energized by a control unit causing a stator to magnetically attract an armature where the armature is coupled to a plunger by an actuator spring. The plunger pushes against a pivoted actuator arm having an inner and outer housing which are biased into extension by an arm spring. The actuator arm contacts and forces a slidable latch member into an inactive position and a latch spring returns the latch member into an active position. The system includes an outer rocker arm which is engageable with an engine poppet valve, and an inner rocker arm which is engageable with a cam lobe and the latch member which rotatably links and unlinks the inner and outer rocker arms.

Abstract: A device (1) for simultaneous actuation of at least two gas exchange valves (2) of an internal combustion engine comprising a bridge-type cam follower (3) arranged in driving relationship between a camshaft and the gas exchange valves (2) and serving to directly transmit a stroke motion caused by a control cam (4) of the camshaft to the gas exchange valves (2), said cam follower (3) being guided by guiding means (18,19) for vertical displacement in a cylinder head and comprising a cam contacting element (31) on which the control cam (4) runs, characterized in that the cam contacting element (31) in the cam follower (3) is displaceable relative to the cam follower (3) so that the cam follower (3) can be uncoupled from a stroke-transmitting motion of the control cam (4).

Abstract: A valve control system for an internal combustion engine, which is particularly adapted for selectively actuating and deactuating an engine valve. The system includes an inner rocker arm which contacts the cam and an outer rocker arm which engages the valve, the inner and outer arms being in nesting relation to one another and in pivotal contact with the output plunger of a stationary lash adjuster. A sliding latch member is movable between an active position wherein the inner and outer arms are effectively latched together to transmit the force of the cam through the inner and outer arms to the valve, and an inactive position wherein the inner and outer arms are free to move relative to one another. A spring acting between the inner and outer arms biases the inner arm into engagement with the cam and the outer arm, and the outer arm into engagement with the valve and the lash adjuster. Positive stops between the inner and outer arms are effective to limit lash adjuster leak down.