Abstract: The variable valve timing controller controls the valve timing of the intake valve. The variable valve timing controller has a shaft, the stator fixed on the engine and generating the magnetic field around the shaft and rotational phase converter converting the torque applied to the shaft. When the valve timing is in the most delayed timing, the engine can be started. The rotational phase of this timing is called the feasible phase. When the stator stops generating the magnetic field, the load torque arise on the shaft. The rotational phase converter varies the rotational phase into the feasible phase with receiving the load torque from the shaft.

Abstract: A decompression system for a four-cycle engine includes a decompression shaft positioned within a camshaft. The decompression shaft interacts with decompression pins positioned within pin holes formed in the camshaft. In some embodiments, the decompression shaft is formed from a first longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion. In other embodiments, the decompression shaft is supported at least in part by a middle portion of a bore that extends through the camshaft.

Abstract: An engine (10) has a hydraulic system (28) that serves both fuel injectors (22) and hydraulic actuators (40) of an engine brake that brakes the engine by controlling exhaust gas flow during engine braking. Pressure of the hydraulic fluid is set by an injection control strategy when a brake control pressure strategy is inactive. When the brake control pressure strategy is active, braking of the engine occurs when hydraulic fluid is delivered to the actuators. The brake control pressure strategy signals pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the one or more actuators that is in excess of a pressure determined by a brake control pressure strategy. The brake control pressure strategy then limits pressure of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to engines having multiple hydraulic devices. For instance, in a typical multi-cylinder diesel engine, each cylinder includes an intake valve, an exhaust valve, a fuel injector and an engine brake. It is common for each of these devices to be controlled by an individual actuator. However, engineers have learned that decreasing the number of engine components can increase engine robustness. Therefore, the present invention utilizes a single rotary actuator to control multiple hydraulic devices for an engine cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention is a valve opening mechanism which has been designed so as to be able to open an actuator pin (30), on which a stop (31) is provided that is through-mounted to slide freely facing in a vertical direction in relation to the top of a rocker arm (7) and which is restrained by the bottom of the rocker arm (7) tip at a specified uppermost position, and the engine valves (4), by pushing downward during the exhaust stroke of a rocker arm (7).

Abstract: An engine braking system includes a pump associated with a source of fluid, the pump supplying pressurized fluid to fuel injectors associated with the engine. An electronic controller is associated with the engine and determines a desired engine braking level as a function of various engine operating conditions and operator inputs. The engine controller produces a pump signal as a function of the desired engine braking level.

Abstract: A system for controlling exhaust emissions produced by an internal combustion engine includes an engine controller having an emission manager configured to produce a base emission level cap command, corresponding to a maximum allowable emission level of the engine, as a function of at least altitude and ambient temperature. The emission manager may also include one or more auxiliary emission control devices (AECDs), and the emission manager is further operable in such cases to determine a maximum allowable emission level associated with each active AECD. A final emission level cap command is determined as a function of the base emission level cap command and the maximum allowable emission level associated with each active AECD. The emission manager is further operable to produce a protection state data structure that includes information relating to the operational status of each AECD.

Abstract: Improving compression brake systems (10) require better control of timing an actuation event. Numerous systems use complicated electronic controls to achieve such control. Cam actuated compression brake systems may reduce braking power by allowing a valve 32 on an internal combustion engine (30) to remain open well after an optimum crank angle. Using a by-pass port (42), pressure may be increased in a second actuator volume (22) opposite a first actuator volume (20). Increasing pressures in the second actuator volume (22) promotes closing the valve (26) near the optimum crank angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrohydraulic valve controller, in particular for controlling a gas exchange valve in internal combustion engines, having a hydraulically actuatable control valve, whose including a control valve piston which can be acted upon, via electrically actuatable valves, by a hydraulic medium that is under pressure, and a hydraulically acting valve brake is assigned to the control valve piston. It is provided that the The valve brake (46) includes a temperature compensation for the hydraulic medium.

Abstract: An engine braking system includes a pump associated with a source of fluid, the pump supplying pressurized fluid to fuel injectors associated with the engine. An electronic controller is associated with the engine and determines a desired engine braking level as a function of various engine operating conditions and operator inputs. The engine controller produces a pump signal as a function of the desired engine braking level.

Abstract: A method and rocker arm assembly for actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The rocker arm may include an integrated hydraulic circuit used to control a lost motion piston. A reset piston may be included in the rocker arm to selectively reset the position of the lost motion piston. A control piston may also be included in the rocker arm to selectively lock the reset piston into a reset position. The rocker arm assembly may be used to achieve compression-release or bleeder braking, main intake, main exhaust, brake gas recirculation, and/or exhaust gas recirculation valve events.

Abstract: In the case of a method for operating an internal combustion engine (10) installed in a motor vehicle having controlled intake and exhaust valves and that is coupled in fixed fashion with an electrical machine (16) charging an electrical energy accumulator (21), in order to enable recuperation on overrun or during braking operation of the internal combustion engine (10) while maintaining the braking or deceleration behavior of the motor vehicle expected by the driver, the drag or braking power of the internal combustion engine is regulated by intervening in the valve actuation process so that the sum of the braking power of the electrical machine and the internal combustion engine corresponds at any point during vehicle deceleration to the braking power produced by a conventional internal combustion engine having “conventional” valve actuation.

Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine when the engine is operating in an engine braking mode is provided. The engine operates in the engine braking mode and an exhaust valve for the cylinder is prematurely opened to dissipate power. The method includes controlling airflow to at least one cylinder based on a comparison of a desired mass airflow rate and an actual mass airflow rate such that the actual mass airflow rate tracks the desired mass airflow rate.

Abstract: A control strategy for mitigation of the effect of increased engine back-pressure on fuel injectors (22) when an engine retarder is activated to slow the engine (10) of a motor vehicle. The strategy attenuates injection control pressure ICP of hydraulic fluid for the fuel injectors to a defined dwell pressure ICP_VRE_DWL, and once that dwell pressure has been attained, keeps the injection control pressure from exceeding it for the length of a dwell time ICP_DWL_TM. Upon elapse of the dwell time, the injection control pressure gradually increases above the dwell pressure using a pressure versus time map (54). When engine operating conditions call for greater injection control pressure while the retarder is activated, the strategy provides for greater injection control pressure using a pressure versus speed map (42).

Abstract: A four-stroke cycle I C E with a special cylinder head containing three valves per cylinder, an air accumulator, carburetor, and special air inlet valve for use during coasting. Valves and fuel injection being computer controled such that the two exit valves are opened or closed at such times that either the products of combustion are after power strokes and the alternate exhaust valve opens when the vehicle is coasting alowing compressed air to go to the accumulator. Two air inlets are provided for the two ocassions. Necessary computer controls included.

Abstract: A gas recirculation system is disclosed for improving engine braking in an internal combustion engine having an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a cylinder. The system includes an exhaust manifold operatively connected to the cylinder through the exhaust valve; an intake manifold operatively connected to the cylinder through the intake valve; and a gas recirculation passage adapted to recirculate gas from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold during an engine braking event.

Abstract: Lost motion systems and methods for providing engine valves with variable valve actuation for engine valve events are disclosed. The system may include a master piston hydraulically linked to a slave piston, and a dedicated cam operatively connected to the master piston. The slave piston may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the master piston in a common housing. The slave piston is adapted to actuate one or more engine valves. The slave piston may incorporate an optional valve seating assembly into its upper end. A trigger valve may be operatively connected to the master-slave hydraulic circuit to selectively release and add hydraulic fluid to the circuit.

Abstract: A method of controlling a valve actuation system is provided. An intake cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position and a second position. An exhaust cam assembly is operated to move an exhaust valve between a first position a second position. An engine brake is operated to selectively move the exhaust valve from the first position towards the second position when a piston is at or near a top-dead-center position of a compression stroke. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. A desired intake valve actuation period is determined based on the at least one operating parameter. A valve actuator is engaged with the intake valve to prevent the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to operation of the intake cam assembly. The valve actuator is released to allow the intake valve to return to the first position at the end of the determined valve actuation period.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving engine braking of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine by variable valve actuation. One embodiment of the present invention enables independent two-valve actuation for each cylinder, and engine braking horsepower can be optimized using two-valve braking at high engine speeds and one-valve braking at low speeds. Another embodiment of the present invention enables better a sequential valve actuation to reduce engine braking load and compliance. Another embodiment of the present invention enables better engine starting and warming up by controlling timing and lift of each valve.

Abstract: A volume reducer for a hydraulic system, particularly useful for low pressure hydraulic systems such as used in engine compression braking systems. The hydraulic system has an actuator and a pressurizer, with a hydraulic line interconnecting the actuator and the pressurizer. A substantially straight section of the hydraulic line is provided, and a slidable body is provided in the substantially straight section. The body slides in the hydraulic line in response to pressure changes in the hydraulic line, and occupies hydraulic line volume, to stiffen the hydraulic system and reduce system sluggishness.

Abstract: An engine braking system for a multi-cylinder engine includes a supply of low pressure fluid and an engine fluid sump. A plurality of valve actuators are each configured to be alternatively fluidly coupled to the supply of low pressure fluid and the engine fluid sump. Each valve actuator is operably coupled to at least one exhaust valve for a respective cylinder. The system also includes a braking control valve operably coupled to two of the valve actuators. The braking control valve is movable between a first position at which the two valve actuators are fluidly coupled to the engine fluid sump and blocked from the supply of low pressure fluid and a second position at which the two valve actuators are fluidly coupled to the supply of low pressure fluid and blocked from the engine fluid sump.

Abstract: A system for accomplishing engine exhaust braking and exhaust gas recirculation for an engine having an exhaust manifold and a plurality of exhaust valves per cylinder during a four stroke engine cycle is provided. The system includes an actuation device operable to provide valve actuation of a single exhaust valve for an exhaust braking event and an exhaust gas recirculation event. The exhaust valve is not completely closed during the exhaust braking event and the exhaust gas recirculation event. The exhaust braking event includes actuating a single exhaust valve beginning during a second half of a compression stroke and a first half of an expansion stroke, and closing the exhaust valve beginning during a second half of an exhaust stroke. The exhaust gas recirculation event includes reactuating the exhaust valve beginning during a first half of an intake stroke, and closings the exhaust valve beginning during a second half of the intake stroke.

Abstract: A compression release engine brake apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas recirculator that is connectable between the exhaust outlet and the intake manifold of the engine. The exhaust gas recirculator is operative during operation of the engine brake apparatus to recirculate at least a portion of exhaust gases from the exhaust outlet to the intake manifold to increase charging of the cylinders of the engine prior to the compression stroke. Preferably there is an exhaust restrictor downstream of the exhaust outlet. The engine preferably includes a turbocharger downstream of the exhaust outlet. The exhaust restrictor may be a restrictive turbocharger. Preferably there is an exhaust gas cooler connectable between the exhaust outlet and the intake manifold. This process optimizes engine brake performance and is an effective control for exhaust pressure and temperature and for turbocharger speed.

Abstract: A method of engine braking includes a initial step of determining whether fuel injector tip temperatures are at or above a pre-determined temperature. If the injector tip temperatures are below the pre-determined temperature, then the electronic control module commands performance of dual event engine braking. If the injector tip temperatures are at or above the pre-determined temperatures, then the electronic control module commands the performance of single event engine braking. Such a strategy can achieve higher overall engine braking horsepower without risking the potential catastrophic dangers associated with injector tip overheating.

Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: A system for controlling exhaust emissions produced by an internal combustion engine includes an engine controller having an emission manager configured to produce a base emission level cap command, corresponding to a maximum allowable emission level of the engine, as a function of at least altitude and ambient temperature. The emission manager may also include one or more auxiliary emission control devices (AECDs), and the emission manager is further operable in such cases to determine a maximum allowable emission level associated with each active AECD. A final emission level cap command is determined as a function of the base emission level cap command and the maximum allowable emission level associated with each active AECD. The emission manager is further operable to produce a protection state data structure that includes information relating to the operational status of each AECD.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for controlling an engine braking system having an engine with at least one intake and exhaust valve, intake and exhaust manifolds, a turbocharger connected to the intake and exhaust manifolds, and at least one pressure regulation valve. The method may comprise the steps of measuring a value of an engine parameter; adjusting the pressure of the exhaust manifold responsive to the measured engine parameter value; actuating the at least one exhaust valve; and adjusting a pressure gradient across the turbocharger.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine comprising a gas recirculation passage connecting an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold, a compression release valve, and at least one gas pulse created during a first event, a method for retarding the engine comprising the steps of opening the compression release valve, releasing at least one gas pulse into the gas recirculation passage after a first event, redirecting the at least one gas pulse into the intake manifold, and using the at least one gas pulse to increase air charge in a cylinder.

Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve control arrangement is provided with a control line of a control cylinder, the control line being connected to a first oil volume, with a first control piston having a first control face and operatively connected to the first oil volume, and with a plunger piston which is arranged between the first control piston and an outlet valve and has a second control face and which is operatively connected to a second oil volume. A first control edge is provided between the control cylinder and the first control piston. The control edge switches a first throughflow connection between the first oil volume and the second oil volume operatively connected to a third control face of the first control piston.

Abstract: An integral lash adjustor for an engine braking system is provided for quick and easy access to adjust and maintain a lash. The integral lash adjustor is located on the top portion of an engine brake stand to eliminate additional steps of removing engine components to access the lash adjusting site. An adjusting screw is threadably fixed inside a plunger body and secured to a plunger. The adjusting screw may be turned in a first direction a predetermined number of turns until abutment against a valve bridge pin, which is in contact with an engine exhaust valve. Next, the adjusting screw is turned in the opposite direction a predetermined number of turns to set the lash, and is then mechanically fastened. In certain embodiments, a pin running from the plunger body into the plunger prevents rotation of the plunger but allows the adjusting screw to turn.

Abstract: An electronic control unit varies the braking power level of a compression release brake system for an internal combustion engine in response to a signal based upon a machine's operating conditions. A sensor senses the operating conditions, generates a signal in response to the sensed condition and delivers the signal to the electronic control unit. The sensor can sense a variety of operating conditions including, speed, load, terrain grade, and requested brake power by a machine operator.

Abstract: A multi-valve engine comprises a plurality of intake and exhaust valves on a cylinder. Depending on use, one of the valves is made of higher heat-resistant material, and another is made of lower heat-resistant material, thereby decreasing cost and improving durability and reliability.

Abstract: A method of engine compression release braking with avoidance of turbine overspeed is disclosed. Initially, an electronic control module determines whether a turbine overspeed condition is present. If an overspeed condition is present, then the blow down timing of an engine compression release braking event is advanced. The present invention is particularly applicable to preventing turbine overspeed for vehicles operating at higher altitudes while compression braking.

Abstract: Engine braking in a vehicle driveline during transmission upshifts is controlled to provide more efficient and accurate speed synchronization. The physical limitations on the engine brake components are taken into account to determine a delay between an off request and the actual time that the engine brake turns off. This delay is factored into the time when the engine brake off request is made prior to a predicted time when the actual engine speed will meet a desired engine speed. By accounting for such delay, overshoot and undershoot during speed synchronization is avoided.

Abstract: A multi-valve engine comprises a plurality of intake and exhaust valves on a cylinder. Depending on use, one of the valves is made of higher heat-resistant material, and another is made of lower heat-resistant material, thereby decreasing cost and improving durability and reliability.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a variable valve mechanism is capable of altering opening and closing timings and opening amounts of at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine. A fuel injection valve supplies fuel either directly or indirectly to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. A forcible valve closing mechanism controls the variable valve mechanism such that at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve is placed in a closed state when the fuel injection valve is prohibited from operating. New gas is prevented from flowing from the exhaust system of the internal combustion engine to the intake system thereof when fuel injection control is prohibited.

Abstract: A linear control valve is disclosed regulating the flow of fluid to hydraulically activated devices, preferably a fuel injector and an engine compression release brake. The valve includes a valve member that is moveable between a first position in which the fuel injector is, at least partially, activated, a second position in which neither the fuel injector nor the engine compression release brake is activated, and a third position in which the engine compression release brake is activated. An electrical actuator providing two permanent magnets and two oppositely wound solenoid coils moves the valve member between its three positions. The polarity of the permanent magnets are oriented such that when the solenoids are energized, one solenoid coil pulls the valve member while the other solenoid coil pushes the valve member in the same direction.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve may be slowed during the first opening event by controlling fluid leaving a second actuator volume opposite a first actuator volume providing opening force on an exhaust valve.

Abstract: A method and rocker arm assembly for actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The rocker arm may include an integrated hydraulic circuit used to control a lost motion piston. A reset piston may be included in the rocker arm to selectively reset the position of the lost motion piston. A control piston may also be included in the rocker arm to selectively lock the reset piston into a reset position. The rocker arm assembly may be used to achieve compression-release or bleeder braking, main intake, main exhaust, brake gas recirculation, and/or exhaust gas recirculation valve events.

Abstract: An electronic control unit varies the braking power level of a compression release brake system for an internal combustion engine in response to a signal based upon a machine's operating conditions. A sensor senses the operating conditions, generates a signal in response to the sensed condition and delivers the signal to the electronic control unit. The sensor can sense a variety of operating conditions including, speed, load, terrain grade, and requested brake power by a machine operator.

Abstract: A number of engine operating strategies have been developed that allow for engine braking when combustion is not needed. In these strategies, air within the engine cylinder is compressed by the cylinder piston; however, rather than introducing fuel into the cylinder to facilitate a combustion event, the cylinder is opened to an exhaust manifold and the compressed air is vented, and the energy is released by the engine. However, it has been learned that the venting of this compressed air from the engine can produce undesirable noise emissions. Thus, the present invention employs a dual exhaust valve lift strategy to reduce noise produced during engine braking while still allowing relatively high engine braking horsepowers to be achieved.

Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Traditional engine compression release brake systems include an engine brake that is associated with each cylinder of the engine. However, if the maximum braking horsepower required by the engine is less than that produced using all engine cylinders, the engine includes excess components. In an effort to reduce the number of engine components, and therefore increase engine robustness, the present invention includes an engine compression release brake system that provides a number of engine brakes that is less than the total number of engine cylinders.

Abstract: There are provided a control system and method and an engine control unit for an internal combustion engine including two types of variable valve mechanisms capable of changing a camp phase and a cam profile, respectively, which system is capable of determining an amount of fuel to be injected as a value suited to charging efficiency at the time by simplified calculation processing, thereby performing the fuel injection control properly in a simplified manner. The fuel injection control system includes an ECU. The ECU searches a map for a multiplier term Ati for a high-speed cam or low-speed cam based on the rotational speed of the engine and the cam phase, and a map for an addend term Bti for the high-speed cam or the low-speed cam based on the rotational speed of the engine and the cam phase. The ECU calculates a basic fuel injection time period Tibase as the sum of the product of an intake pipe absolute pressure PBA and the multiplier term Ati and the addend term Bti (Ati×PBA+Bti).

Abstract: The invention relates to a multicylinder internal combustion engine with an engine braking system including intake and exhaust valves and at least one additional brake valve for each cylinder, the exhaust valves opening into an exhaust system. Further a preferably tubular pressure reservoir with a pressure regulating valve is provided, into which braking channels departing from the brake valves are leading, so that a gas exchange between the individual cylinders is possible upon actuation of the brake valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multicylinder internal combustion engine with an engine braking system including intake and exhaust valves and at least one additional brake valve for each cylinder, the exhaust valves opening into an exhaust system. Further a preferably tubular pressure reservoir with a pressure regulating valve is provided, into which braking channels departing from the brake valves are leading, so that a gas exchange between the individual cylinders is possible upon actuation of the brake valves.

Abstract: An actuator for adjusting a clearance between an end of a valve and an end of the actuator. The actuator has a piston therein having a central bore of which a portion is threaded. The piston has an end and has a flat defined near the end. The actuator has a stem member positioned therein. The stem member has a central portion which is threadedly positioned within the threaded portion of the central bore. The stem member defines a first end and a second end, and a threaded portion is located near the second end. The first end of the stem member and the end of the piston has a predetermined length which is adjustable. The predetermined length is adjusted by threadedly rotating the stem member relative to the piston. A locking device fixes the predetermined length during operation of the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine may include a hydraulic linkage used to transfer motion from a valve train element, such as a cam, to an engine valve. Method and apparatus for selectively limiting the motion transferred by the hydraulic linkage from the valve train element to the engine valve are disclosed. The motion transferred by the hydraulic linkage may be limited by a means for resetting or clipping that is integrated into the rocker arm/shaft assembly provided in the valve train.

Abstract: Compression brake systems using “back-fill” between combustion cylinders or requiring an exhaust valve to be opened twice during a braking cycle require brake actuation systems able to maintain control over the exhaust valve during different loading conditions. In a first opening event where a piston is at or near bottom dead center, pressures in the combustion cylinder are low. During a second opening event near top dead center pressures are higher. Movement of the exhaust valve is controlled by delivery of fluid to a brake actuator piston. Fluid delivery is slowed as the brake actuator piston moves to cover a first cylinder port and uncover a second cylinder port.