Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, a hydraulic valve rest mechanism is mounted on a valve operating device, which performs open-close driving of an engine valve which is arranged in a cylinder head of an engine body having a plurality of cylinders in an openable-and-closable manner. The hydraulic valve rest mechanism is operated with an oil pressure that is controlled by a hydraulic control device so as to close and rest engine valves of a plurality of cylinders for bringing the cylinders into a rest state Therefore, the miniaturization of the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine along an axis of a crankshaft and can shorten a length of an oil passage which connects a hydraulic valve rest mechanism and a hydraulic control device. A hydraulic control device is arranged on an engine body directly above a portion thereof corresponding to a cylinder that is expected to assume a cylinder rest state.

Abstract: An added-motion hydraulic valve system is disclosed. The added-motion hydraulic valve system includes an engine valve actuator that causes movement of an engine valve, fluid that moves through a solenoid actuator valve, and a fluid actuator housing having a volume for receiving said fluid. The volume is disposed between the engine valve actuator and an engagement end of the engine valve. A lash adjuster assembly for a valve system is also disclosed. The lash adjuster assembly includes an actuator fluid housing and an added motion hydraulic lash adjuster disposed within the actuator fluid housing. According to an embodiment, the lash adjuster assembly includes a mechanical lash adjuster actuated by a cam arrangement.

Abstract: An engine valve actuator providing Miller cycle benefits and a method of operating an engine valve actuator are disclosed. The valve actuator employs a first force to hold an exhaust valve of the engine open during an exhaust stroke and a second, stronger force to hold the exhaust valve open during a compression stroke. The valve actuator may be operated using pressurized fluid adapted to extend an actuator piston through a cylinder. The first force may be derived by a mechanically driven actuator, while the second force may be derived from a high pressure rail of the engine. A low pressure source of the engine may be used to fill the actuator cylinder, with the high pressure rail only being placed into fluid communication with the cylinder when desired. A control valve may be employed to direct either the low pressure or high pressure fluid to the valve actuator cylinder.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve actuation system has a hydraulic actuator connected with a valve in an engine. The hydraulic actuator has a boost pin enclosing a drive pin in a casing. The drive pin connects with and defines a valve lash with a valve stem of the valve. The hydraulic actuator applies and releases an actuating force through the drive pin to the valve stem that selectively opens and closes the valve during engine operation. The hydraulic actuator adjusts the valve lash during one or more rest periods. By adjusting the valve lash during the rest periods, the hydraulic actuator essentially adjusts the valve lash in response to one or more of the actual physical parameters of the valve during engine operation.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine control apparatus is provided with a hydraulically operated variable valve operating mechanism for varying the valve timing of air intake valves, and a water temperature sensor for sensing engine coolant temperature to estimate the degree of engine warm-up. The valve operating mechanism is controlled to switch the valve timing from the warm-up idle valve timing with a high idling speed to the post-warm-up idle valve timing with a slower idling speed as the engine temperature approaches the warm-up temperature threshold. The switch in valve timings starts before an engine rotational speed falls below a rotational speed threshold lying between the high idling speed during the warm-up idling and the post-warm-up idling speed during the post-warm-up idling such that a sufficient hydraulic pressure switch the valve timing with a specific degree of responsiveness is attained when the engine rotational speed is at or above the rotational speed threshold.

Abstract: First and second attachment portions 6, 8 are formed integrally with a main body 4 and extend along the longitudinal direction of the main body 4. A hydraulic oil supply portion 14 is formed integrally with the main body 4 and extends along the width, or in the direction perpendicular to the axes of the attachment portions 6, 8. In this manner, providing an internal combustion engine with variable valve actuation mechanisms increases the strength of the cylinder head cover 102, while reducing the weight thereof.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve actuation systems and methods to provide multiple lifts for engine valves using fixed or hard stops at each lift. The fixed or hard stops provide a very repeatable selection of engine valve lifts dependent on engine operating conditions. For full valve lift, unidirectional hydraulic dashpots are used to decelerate the engine valve, both as it approaches the full lift fixed stop, and as the engine valve approaches the valve seat from the engine valve full lift position. Various embodiments and methods of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving side rotational member synchronously rotatable with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, a driven side rotational member arranged coaxially with the driving side rotational member and synchronously rotatable with a camshaft of the internal combustion engine, a plurality of fluid pressure chambers each including an advanced angle chamber and a retarded angle chamber, a plurality of vanes each dividing the fluid pressure chamber into the advanced angle chamber and the retarded angle chamber, an intermediate member of which a portion is provided in the fluid pressure chamber and engageable with the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member, and an engagement member for causing the intermediate member to engage with either one of the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member in response to an operating state of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: If it is determined that an engine has been started, an engine coolant temperature is detected. If the engine coolant temperature is equal to or lower than a threshold value, the catalyst quick warm-up control is started to retard ignition timing, and a signal indicating a command to increase an operate angle is transmitted to a VVLA controller. When a VVT hydraulic pressure is increased to a predetermined value, a signal indicating a command to decrease the operate angle is transmitted to the VVLA controller, and a signal indicating a command to advance open timing of an intake valve is transmitted to a VVT controller so that the open timing of the intake valve is not changed. If the engine coolant temperature is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the catalyst quick warm-up control ends, and the ignition timing is returned to normal timing.

Abstract: An oil control valve includes an operation unit at an upper part of a cam cap and an inner part of a head cover that changes a path of fluid into a continuously variable valve timing unit, and a connector that supplies power to the operation unit. The operation unit may include a sleeve, a valve movably located at the sleeve that directly changes the path of the fluid, and a driving portion that drives the valve. The connector may be located at the driving portion and exposed to outside the head cover. The driving portion may be higher than the sleeve, and may be inclined by approximately 30° with respect to a horizontal line. A hydraulic line may further be provided in the cam cap to guide the fluid into chambers of the continuously variable valve timing unit.

Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism are disclosed, which is capable of controlling the lift of valves of an engine by more than three on/off combinations. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve actuation mechanism is designed to control the opening and closing of engine valves by the use of an uncomplicated structure with minimum solenoid valves and hydraulic lines. By the valve actuation mechanism of the invention, not only the design of hydraulic line as well as that of space mechanism of an engine can be greatly simplified, but also the opening and closing of valves of an engine can be controlled thereby for enabling the engine to provide different valve lifts and thus satisfying different engine requirements, such as output power increasing, combustion efficiency improving, or cylinder deactivation.

Abstract: Rotary valve system for controlling communication with a port in an internal combustion engine which, in one disclosed embodiment, has a crankshaft, compression and expansion pistons connected to the crankshaft for reciprocating movement within compression and expansion chambers, a combustion chamber in which air from the compression chamber is combined with fuel and burned to produce an increased gas volume.

Abstract: The method provides hydraulic pressure for mechanical work from an engine lubricating system in an internal combustion engine by supplying oil to an engine lubrication gallery for lubricating the engine and to at least one variable oil demand accessory. Each of the variable oil demand accessories has an individual pressure regulator. The output of the variable displacement pump is regulated based on the sum of fluid flow required by the engine lubricating system and the engine accessories, regardless of the engine output. The demand for fluid is determined by the individual pressure regulators on each of the engine accessories. In a preferred embodiment, an accumulator stores high-pressure fluid to be used to power the hydraulic accessories.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit includes an actuating mechanism having an engine valve and an engine valve spring, an added motion valve system having a cam system, a valve in fluid communication with the actuator mechanism, and a dump valve and at least one check valve in fluid communication with the valve to allow a recovery of energy stored in an engine valve spring during closing movement of the engine valve associated with the added motion system. A method for controlling a hydraulic circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system includes an engine valve moveable between a first position that blocks a flow of fluid and a second position that allows a flow of fluid. The system also includes a valve actuation assembly connected to move the engine valve between the first position and the second position and a fluid actuator configured to selectively modify a timing of the engine valve in moving from the second position to the first position. The fluid actuator includes a first piston. The system further includes an accumulator including a second piston, wherein the second piston is slidably movable in the first piston.

Abstract: A control system and method for a hydraulic system (HS) that controls a fluid supply in an engine includes a timer module determines the response time of the HS to perform at least one of: increasing the pressure of the fluid supply above a predetermined threshold following the state change command and decreasing said pressure of said fluid supply below said predetermined threshold following said state change command. An update module updates the desired time of the HS based on the response time of the HS.

Abstract: An electronically controlled valve actuator having a hydraulic lever in the form of a fluid filled chamber, is used to amplify the motion of a magnetic armature and thereby achieve a desired valve displacement with reduced effective travel of the armature, reduced transition time and power consumption while incorporating passive hydraulic lash adjustment in the hydraulic lever mechanism.

Abstract: An oil feeding system of an engine equipped with a transmission configured to change a rotational speed of rotation of a crankshaft and to output the rotation, including an oil pump configured to be driven in cooperation with the rotation of the crankshaft, an oil passage through which the oil outflowing from the oil pump flows, in which the oil passage includes a transmission oil passage through which the oil outflowing from the oil pump is guided to the transmission, and an engine body oil passage through which the oil outflowing from the oil pump is guided to portions other than the transmission, and an oil control portion configured to change a ratio between a pressure of the oil flowing through the transmission oil passage and a pressure of the oil flowing through the engine body oil passage.

Abstract: A method for distributing lock pin ejections evenly over all the switchable mechanisms in a plurality of switchable mechanisms: establishing a limiting number of lock pin ejections; designating a primary switchable mechanism for the mode change upon command from an engine control module (ECM); employing the designated primary switchable mechanism until the limit is reached; designating another switchable mechanism a primary; employing the second primary mechanism until the limit is reached again; and designating sequentially each of the remaining switchable mechanisms as primary switchable mechanisms, each until the limit is reached again. The ECM counts the activation commands and switches the primary designation when the limit is reached so that each mechanism has the same exposure to ejections, and the number of ejections per mechanism is evenly distributed.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly includes a manifold containing a plurality of hydraulic channels that direct fluid to a centralized location and a package disposed at the centralized location to measure fluid pressure at pressure ports corresponding to the hydraulic channels. The manifold assembly directs fluid to the single package rather than scattering fluid outputs to multiple sensor locations, simplifying the overall assembly configuration.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation system is disclosed for providing exhaust to at least one component downstream of an engine. The system includes a supply of low pressure fluid, an engine fluid sump, and an exhaust valve disposed in an engine cylinder. The system also includes a hydraulic actuation system operably connected to the exhaust valve of the engine cylinder and a braking control valve operably connected to the hydraulic actuation system. The system further includes a device for accumulating fluid and a device for fluidly coupling the hydraulic actuation system to the accumulating device.

Abstract: A fault detection system for detecting a fault in a lifter oil manifold assembly (LOMA) of a displacement on demand engine that is operable during transition from activated and deactivated modes includes a first fluid circuit of the LOMA that selectively provides pressurized fluid to regulate operation of the engine between activated and deactivated modes. The fault detection system further includes a sensor that is responsive to fluid pressure of the LOMA and that generates a pressure signal based thereon. A control module outputs a control signal to switch operation of the engine between the activated and deactivated modes. The control module further determines a pressure differential based on a first pressure prior to switching between the modes and a second pressure after switching between the modes.

Abstract: Actuators, and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators, provide independent lift and timing control with minimum energy consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, an actuation cylinder in a housing defines a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends in first and second directions. An actuation piston in the cylinder, with first and second surfaces, is moveable along the longitudinal axis. First and second actuation springs bias the actuation piston in the first and second directions, respectively. A first fluid space is defined by the first end of the actuation cylinder and the first surface of the actuation piston, and a second fluid space is defined by the second end of the actuation cylinder and the second surface of the actuation piston. A fluid bypass short-circuits the first and second fluid spaces when the actuation piston is not substantially proximate to either the first or second end of the actuation cylinder.

Abstract: Actuators and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators offer efficient, fast, flexible control with large forces. In an exemplary embodiment, an fluid actuator includes a housing having first and second fluid ports, an actuation cylinder in the housing defining a longitudinal axis and having first and second ends in first and second directions, an actuation piston in the cylinder with first and second surfaces moveable along the longitudinal axis, a spring subsystem biasing the actuation piston to a neutral position, a first fluid space defined by the first end of the actuation cylinder and the first surface of the actuation piston, a second fluid space defined by the second end of the actuation cylinder and the second surface of the actuation piston; and a flow bypass that short-circuits the first and second fluid spaces when the actuation piston is not proximate to the second end of the actuation cylinder.

Abstract: A method and system for fine-tuning the motion of suction or discharge valves associated with cylinders of a reciprocating gas compressor, such as the large compressors used for natural gas transmission. The valve's primary driving force is conventional, but the valve also uses an electromagnetic coil to sense position of the plate (or other plugging element) and to provide an opposing force prior to impact.

Abstract: A valve timing adjusting apparatus has a housing and a vane rotor to form multiple fluid chambers, and a relative position of the vane rotor to the housing is adjusted by the fluid pressure supplied into the fluid chambers. A check valve is provided in a branched passage portion, so that working fluid may not be pushed out from an advancing fluid chamber to a low pressure side, even when the working fluid in the advancing fluid chamber is temporally compressed to increase its fluid pressure due to a torque change applied from a cam shaft to the vane rotor.

Abstract: Improved actuators and valve control systems, and methods for controlling actuators and/or engine valves, are disclosed. In addition to the inherent capability of timing control, the ability to provide continuous valve lift or stroke control greatly improves engine achieve fuel economy, emission and performance. The power-off state of the actuator is at the minimum stroke, from which an easy start-up can be directly executed. The minimum stroke is also very beneficial to achieve efficient low load operation. Even with continuous lift variation, the present invention is able to keep the spring force neutral or zero point in the center of a stroke, thus maintaining an efficient scheme of energy conversion and recovery through the pendulum action. When in compression braking or other high engine cylinder air pressure working mode, the invention is able to supply necessary force to open the engine valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve actuation system for an internal combustion engine. The valve actuation system of the present invention may provide an increased range of auto-ignition operation by providing a valve re-opening mechanism to provide products of combustion into the cylinder to increase the thermal efficiency and stability of the auto-ignition combustion process. The present invention allows the poppet valve re-opening timing, lift and duration to be tailored to specific engine architecture and operating conditions. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of re-opening a poppet valve of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An oil pressure control apparatus which includes a source of hydraulic pressure introducing the hydraulic pressure to a hydraulic actuator which is actuated by hydraulic pressure, a fluid passage which is connected between the source of hydraulic pressure and the hydraulic actuator for introducing and discharging hydraulic pressure from the source of hydraulic pressure to the actuator, a control valve which is disposed in the fluid passages for controlling the hydraulic pressure and a filter is disposed in a position that is between the actuator and the control valve. Thereby, the control valve is capable to be operated smoothly.

Abstract: An improved electro-hydraulic intake and exhaust valve actuator for a “camless” internal combustion reciprocating engine. The present invention integrates an electric motor driven “plug type” rotary control valve and a single acting hydraulic cylinder in one housing for the actuation of an engine valve. The geometry of the hydraulic ports in the rotary control valve may be tailored for desired valve actuation profiles. The electronic control of the rate of rotation and angular position of the rotary control valve are used to infinitely vary the engine valve operating parameters. Thus, engine valve timing, speed, cycle duration and lift may be varied. A rotary control valve permits high speed operation and accommodates a broad range of valve sizes. Availability of a wide range of commercial open frame brushless electric motors and dedicated integrated circuit controllers contribute to the cost effectiveness of the present design.

Abstract: A twin vane-type phaser is described which is provided with a locking mechanism for locking the drive member to the driven members when the pressure in the working chambers is a below is predetermined value. The locking mechanism comprises two coaxial locking pins 114, 118 mounted in a common bore 110 in the centrally located member 32. The locking pins are resiliently urged apart by a spring 120 into bores in the two outer members 38, 40 and are retracted by pistons 112, 116 when the hydraulic pressure in the working chambers attains the predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (101) for altering the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, having a hydraulic actuating device (102) and a control valve (103). The device (101) according to the invention is provided with centre-position locking of a hydraulic actuating device (102). Furthermore, the device (101) according to the invention ensures that if an actuating unit (112) which governs the control valve (103) fails, the hydraulic actuating device (102) is locked in the central position and the locking is maintained until the actuating unit (112) is repaired. Furthermore, the device (101) according to the invention allows the internal combustion engine to be started in a locked position in a central position without a moveable element (105) of the hydraulic actuating device (102) striking a side wall of a pressure space (104) when the internal combustion engine is started.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The engine valve actuation system includes an intake valve that is moveable between a first position to prevent a flow of fluid and a second position to allow a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is configured to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator is configured to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with the fluid actuator. A directional control valve is configured to control a flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A fluid passageway connects the directional control valve with the fluid actuator. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. A restricted orifice is disposed between the accumulator and the fluid passageway to restrict a flow of fluid between the accumulator and the fluid passageway.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. An intake valve is moveable between a first position to prevent a flow of fluid and a second position to allow a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is connected to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator is configured to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with the fluid actuator. A directional control valve is configured to control a flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A control valve is disposed between the source of fluid and the directional control valve. The control valve is moveable between a first position to prevent the flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the directional control valve and a second position to allow the flow of fluid from the source of fluid to the directional control valve.

Abstract: An electromechanical valve actuator having a beginning of stroke damper to damp the impact between the armature stem and the valve stem as the valve is opened. The beginning of stroke damper includes an armature stem defining a stem passage and a valve stem including a lash compensator defining a cavity communicating with the stem passage. An oil pocket may be provided within the cavity to absorb the impact of the armature stem before the armature stem contacts the valve stem as the valve is opened. The lash compensator is configured so that the cavity has a discharge rate sufficient to ensure that the cavity completely drains at approximately the time the engine valve reaches the full open position.

Abstract: Actuators, and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators, provide independent lift and timing control with minimum energy consumption. In an exemplary embodiment, an electromechanical actuator comprises a housing, first and second electromagnets rigidly disposed in the housing and separated from each other by an armature chamber, an armature disposed in the armature chamber and movable between the first and second electromagnets, an armature rod rigidly connected with the armature and operably connected with a load, at least one first actuation spring biasing the armature in a first direction, at least one second actuation spring biasing the armature in a second direction, and one fluid-operated spring controller capable of controlling the position of the first-direction end of the at least one second actuation spring. The spring controller allows the actuation springs at their least compressed state and the engine valve closed when engine power is off.

Abstract: The invention relates to a return device for returning a valve of an internal combustion engine, the device comprising: a piston secured to said valve and mounted to slide in a cylinder; a pressurized fluid feed connected to said cylinder via a feed channel; and a pressure relief valve connected to said cylinder via a discharge channel and arranged to limit the pressure prevailing in the cylinder to a predetermined maximum pressure; and means for regulating the maximum pressure as a function of the feed pressure using an affine-type relationship. The invention also relates to an internal combustion engine equipped with such a device.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine and an electric motor in parallel hybrid combination. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders and a plurality of selectively deactivatable cylinder intake and exhaust valves so that every cylinder in the engine is characterized by an inoperative condition in which corresponding intake and exhaust valves remain in a closed position irrespective of crankshaft rotation. A controller is operatively connected to the valves and configured to advantageously control the valves and render cylinders inoperative. The powertrain enables the rotor of the motor to be continuously operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine for unitary rotation therewith. The powertrain is preferably characterized by integrated friction launch wherein an active torque-transmitting mechanism controls vehicle launch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically operated valve (10), which has a valve housing (11); a spool (12); a first fluid conduit (14) connecting the valve (10) with a source of pressurized fluid; a second fluid conduit (15) connecting the valve (10) with a reservoir of fluid; and a third fluid conduit (16) in communication with valve (10) which delivers fluid to or receives fluid from apparatus which uses the hydraulic fluid flow controlled by the valve (10). The spool (12) is biased to a rest position by a pair of opposed springs (17,18) and in the rest position closes off the first (14) and second (15) fluid conduits. A first electric coil (19) associated with a first end of the spool (12) when activated displaces the spool (12) to open the first fluid conduit (14). A second electric coil (20) associated with a second end of the spool (12) when activated displaces the spool (12) to open the second fluid conduit (15).

Abstract: A device for changing the control times of an internal combustion engine (camshaft adjuster (1)) having a pressure medium distributor (21) arranged within a camshaft (11) is provided. The pressure medium distributor (21) is provided at its front end with a radially extending shoulder (42), this shoulder (42) forming part of the camshaft axial mounting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an actuator which can be displaced between two end positions, said actuator being impinged in one end position and being capable of displacement to the other end position by an electromagnetic part. The actuator is first supplied with an electromagnetic current using a pulse-duration modulation in a retaining mark space ratio. Once the application of current has ended, an oversaturation of the electromagnet is taken into consideration, either by influencing the application of current in the mark space ratio in an appropriate manner, or the oversaturation is completely prevented by a suitable configuration of the application of current.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine having a gas exchange valve and an actuator for the gas exchange valve, and also a method of reducing valve seating impact velocity. The actuator includes a body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A plunger is reciprocable in the body and has a travel distance between an advanced position and a retracted position, the plunger and body defining a chamber. A flow restriction orifice is disposed in at least one of the plunger and the body, and the chamber is in unrestricted fluid communication with the outlet over a first portion of the travel distance and in restricted fluid communication with the outlet by way of the orifice over at least a second portion of the travel distance.

Abstract: A method of controlling an engine having a valve actuation system is provided. The engine is started. A first parameter indicative of a first temperature of the engine is sensed. A second parameter indicative of a second temperature of the engine is sensed. The valve actuation system is disabled to prevent the implementation of a variation on conventional engine valve actuation timing in response to each of the first and second temperatures being below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A fluid supply apparatus includes a fluid pump for supplying a fluid to a fluid supplied portion from a fluid storage portion, a pair of passages provided between the fluid storage portion and the fluid supplied portion in series with the fluid pump, one of the pair of passages including a first supply passage with a check valve therein for preventing the fluid from flowing back to the fluid storage portion from the fluid supplied portion and the other of the pair of passages including a second supply passage provided in parallel with the first supply passage, and a switching apparatus for switching the second supply passage to a state in which the fluid can flow in the second supply passage.

Abstract: A device for generating pressure pulses, includes a pressure fluid source and a pressure fluid depression, a pressure fluid circuit, a valve body displaceably located in a chamber, a first branch and a second branch the branches leaving to opposite sides of the valve body, the chamber having an opening on one side of the valve body, the opening communicating with the first branch and permitting pressure fluid to flow out of the chamber. The valve body, under the action of the pressure fluid in the branches, is displaceable to a first position in which it closes the opening and to a second position in which it leaves the opening open for out-flow of the pressure fluid. The device includes a first valve member arranged to permit or interrupt communication between the chamber and the pressure fluid source through the second branch upstream of the chamber.

Abstract: Improved actuators and valve control systems, and methods for controlling actuators and/or engine valves, are disclosed. In addition to the inherent capability of timing control, the ability to provide continuous valve lift or stroke control greatly improves engine achieve fuel economy, emission and performance. The power-off state of the actuator is at the minimum stroke, from which an easy start-up can be directly executed. The minimum stroke is also very beneficial to achieve efficient low load operation. Even with continuous lift variation, the present invention is able to keep the spring force neutral or zero point in the center of a stroke, thus maintaining an efficient scheme of energy conversion and recovery through the pendulum action. When in compression braking or other high engine cylinder air pressure working mode, the invention is able to supply necessary force to open the engine valve.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for controlling an opening and closing timing of a valve of an internal combustion engine includes a driving side rotational member synchronously rotated with a crankshaft, a driven side rotational member provided coaxially with the driving side rotational member and synchronously rotated with a camshaft, a fluid pressure chamber being separated into an advanced angle chamber and a retarded angle chamber, a phase control apparatus for displacing a relative rotational phase between the driving side rotational member and the driven side rotational member, a locking mechanism having a movable member, a judging device for judging a supply condition of the operation fluid relative to the fluid pressure chamber, and a control device for controlling a rotational speed of the crankshaft.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with variable actuation valves, each variable actuation valve is actuated by an actuator assembly including an actuating piston slidably mounted in a guide bushing. Between the actuating piston and the stem of the respective valve is interposed an auxiliary hydraulic tappet comprising a first bushing and a second bushing positioned inside the first bushing in such a way as to define a first chamber between the second bushing and the actuating piston, and a second chamber between the two bushings of the hydraulic tappet. The first chamber is fed a pressurized chamber of the engine lubrication loop. A check valve controls a communication between the two chambers of the tappet, to allow the passage of fluid in the direction of the second chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid cam providing variable valve actuation in an engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic fluid cam is adapted to vary valve timing while holding valve displacement constant. In another embodiment, the hydraulic fluid cam is adapted to vary valve displacement, while holding valve timing constant. Some embodiments are adapted to vary both valve timing and displacement simultaneously to optimize engine performance.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio internal combustion engine and method of operating the same is provided. The engine comprises an engine block defining at least one cylinder; a head connected with the engine block; a piston slidable in each cylinder; a combustion chamber defined by the head, the piston, and the cylinder; an air intake valve movable to open and close the air intake port; an air supply system including two turbochargers in series fluidly connected to the air intake port; a fuel supply system operable to inject fuel into the combustion chamber; an air intake valve assembly comprising a camshaft configured to open the intake valve; and a hydraulically actuated variable intake valve closing mechanism configured to hold the intake valve open.