Abstract: An electrohydraulic valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve, a movable spool valve, and a driving channel interconnecting the spool valve and the engine valve. The electrohydraulic valve actuator assembly includes an actuator operatively cooperating with the spool valve to position the spool valve to prevent and allow fluid flow in and out of the driving channel to position the engine valve. The electrohydraulic valve actuator assembly further includes a mechanical feedback interconnecting the engine valve and the spool valve to control the position of the spool valve.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating a linearly translatable member, such as an engine valve includes a unit trigger actuator, the unit trigger actuator having a trigger being electrically actuatable, a hydraulic cartridge having a selectively translatable component and being operably coupled to the trigger for receiving actuation commands therefrom, the unit trigger actuator being an open loop system. A pivot element is operably coupled to the translatable component and to the engine valve, the pivot element amplifying motion imparted to the pivot element by translatory motion of the piston at the engine valve. A lash adjuster is operably coupled to the pivot element for decoupling the hydraulic cartridge from lash inherent in a plurality of components and assembly of an engine valve arrangement. A method of actuation is further included.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator operates either an intake or an exhaust valve for an engine cylinder. A driver piston is adapted to be operably connected to open and close the engine cylinder valve. An electrically driven operator produces movement of a valve spool which controls flow of fluid to and from the driver piston. A feedback mechanism is coupled to the valve spool and responds to movement of the driver piston by moving the valve spool into a position at which fluid flows neither to nor from the driver piston. The feedback mechanism ensures that the stroke of the hydraulic actuator is proportional to the magnitude of the electric current applied to the operator regardless of variation of the fluid pressure applied to the driver piston.

Abstract: A pressure reservoir is used to exert pressure on a hydraulic system with which, a gas exchange valve, for instance, of an internal combustion engine can be actuated. The pressure reservoir includes a housing and a piston that is prestressed in operation by a device. To enable making the pressure reservoir as small as possible, it is proposed that the device which prestresses the piston of the pressure reservoir has a characteristic force-travel curve, in one range of motion of the piston, that has a slope which differs from the slope in a different range of motion of the piston.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for gas exchange valves of internal combustion engines is disclosed, in which the lifting of the gas exchange valve from the valve seat is effected with great force. The opening motion of the gas exchange valve then ensues at reduced force. Upon closure of the gas exchange valve, the gas exchange valve is braked before striking the valve seat, so that operation of the gas exchange valve with little wear and little noise can be achieved.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluids, in particular in an injection valve of an internal combustion engine, including a valve housing (20), in which housing a system region (21) is embodied, in which region a piezoelectric actuator module (22) and a hydraulic coupler module (23) are disposed, which has both an adjusting piston (24), on which the actuator module (22) acts, and an actuating piston (30) that is operatively connected via a hydraulic chamber (29) to the adjusting piston (24) and that is connected to a valve closing member (31) cooperating with a valve seat (37), and the adjusting piston (24) and the actuating piston (30) define the hydraulic chamber (29), and a system pressure for refilling the hydraulic chamber (29) prevails in the system region (21), from which a diversion conduit (38) branches off. The system region (21) is acted upon by a fluid via the diversion conduit (38) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cylinder-piston drive, in particular an hydraulically controlled actuator (1) for actuating a gas-exchange valve (2) of an internal combustion engine, which has an operating piston (8) that is displaceable inside a cylinder (6) and delimits pressure chambers (10, 12) by piston sides (14, 16) facing away from one another, the operating piston (8) having a multipart design and being made up of at least two partial pistons (18, 20) that are placed inside one another, are displaceable relative to each other and strike against one another at stop faces (36, 38).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve system for controlling flow of gas into or out of a variable volume chamber (8) of an internal combustion engine or a compressor. The valve system comprises a gas flow control valve (5) which opens to permit flow of gas into or out of the variable volume chamber (8); a hydraulic actuator (4) connected to the gas flow control valve (5); a pump (1) for pressurizing hydraulic fluid; a reservoir of hydraulic fluid (6); and a control system (2, 3, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) which controls opening and closing of the gas control valve (5) by controlling flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic actuator (4) from the pump (1) and flow of hydraulic fluid from hydraulic actuator (4) to the reservoir (6).

Abstract: In an operating system for a hydraulic valve clearance control element of an internal combustion engine, which includes a hydraulic fluid having a pressure that depends on the engine operating state and wherein the hydraulic clearance control element includes a pressure chamber in which a hydraulic fluid volume is maintained for adjusting the length of the hydraulic clearance control element and means for maintaining the fluid volume when, after engine shut down, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied by an engine fluid pressure source drops below a certain value so as to maintain the hydraulic clearance control element at its operating length during engine shutdown, means are arranged on the hydraulic fluid supply line to the hydraulic valve clearance control element for releasing hydraulic fluid to reduce its pressure below the certain value immediately upon engine shut down to safely maintain the hydraulic clearance control elements at their operating length.

Abstract: A velocity control system for an engine valve is provided. The system includes a valve having a housing defining an opening, a chamber adapted to receive a fluid, a first fluid passageway connecting the opening with the chamber, a second fluid passageway connecting the opening with the chamber, and a third fluid passageway connecting the opening with the chamber. A piston is slidably disposed in the chamber and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The movement of the piston from the first position to the second position forces fluid from the chamber at a first flow rate during movement of the piston through a first travel distance and at a second flow rate during movement of the piston through a second travel distance. The first flow rate is greater than the second flow rate. A check valve is adapted to prevent fluid from flowing from the chamber through the first fluid passageway when the piston is moving from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A hydraulic system comprises a pump, low pressure drain, high pressure rail, fuel injector, a gas exchange valve actuator, and a timing valve. The high pressure rail is connected to the pump with a supply line. A method of operating an engine comprises the steps of opening a gas exchange valve by connecting it with the outlet of the pump at a first chosen time, supplying pressurized fluid to a high pressure rail by connecting it with the outlet of the pump after the first time, and injecting fuel by supplying fluid from the high pressure rail to a fuel injector at a second chosen time. An engine comprises an engine casing that defines a plurality of cylinders. A fuel injector, gas exchange valve actuator, pump, supply line, and timing valve is provided for each of the cylinders. A low pressure drain and a high pressure rail are also provided.

Abstract: A device is proposed for controlling gas-exchange valves, at least one of which is assigned as intake valve (11) and at least one of which as discharge valve (12) to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes electrohydraulic valve actuators (18) assigned in each case to a gas-exchange valve for its actuation, and a pressure-supply reservoir (26) having a high-pressure pump and a pressure-storage unit, which supplies the valve-actuators (18) with a fluid at high pressure. To reduce the energy consumed by the control device, the pressure-storage unit has two separate high-pressure reservoirs (31, 32), one of which is connected to the valve actuator (18) for the at least one intake valve (11) and the other to the valve actuator (18) for the at least one discharge valve (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a module for actuating fuel injectors and valves an internal combustion engine. The actuation module includes a housing having a high pressure rail and a low pressure rail. A plurality of actuation pistons are disposed in the housing and engage fuel injectors and intake/exhaust valves of the engine. One or more actuating valve assemblies control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the high pressure rail each of the actuation pistons.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for actuating a valve, the valve having a longitudinal axis includes an electrohydraulic actuator being displaced a lateral distance from the valve longitudinal axis, and a rocker arm being rotatable about a hinge point, a first arm portion extending from the hinge point to a proximal end and a second arm portion extending from the hinge point to a distal end, the proximal end being operably coupled to the second stage piston and the distal end being operably coupled to the valve, the fist arm portion being shorter than the second arm portion, the rocker arm spanning the lateral distance. A method of stroke amplification is further included.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves in accordance with the invention includes oil flow galleries. Engine oil under pressure communicates with a global supply gallery in the manifold assembly, from which pressurized oil is supplied selectively via individual supply galleries to each variable actuator for each valve through the action of solenoid valves. At engine startup, all galleries may be empty of oil, or partially filled. A global relief valve at the end of the global supply gallery causes air to be purged immediately upon startup of the engine. Each solenoid and individual gallery is provided with a low pressure relief valve leading back to the crankcase when the solenoid supply valve is closed. A bleed orifice between the global supply gallery and each individual gallery continually bleeds oil under low pressure into the individual gallery, which purges initial air therein.

Abstract: A manifold is provided for housing high pressure oil on a camless engine. A body of the manifold has first, second and third channels formed therein lengthwise in the body. Switching valves on the body are operative to alternately communicate oil in the channels with cylinder valves of an engine to which the manifold is mounted to affect movement of the cylinder values. A distributed accumulator is positioned in at least one of the channels and includes at least one compliant pocket filled with a compressible fluid. The accumulator is configured such that the pocket attenuates pressure oscillations in the oil resulting from oil flow oscillations during actuation of the switching valves.

Abstract: An engine has a cylinder head having a first surface and a second surface spaced from the first surface. A valve is moveably connected to the cylinder head. A rocker arm is connected to the valve, and a rocker shaft having a first location spaced a maximum distance from the cylinder head is connected to the rocker arm. A support member has and an actuator fluid passage network. The actuator fluid passage network defines a volume. The support member is connected to the cylinder head and is positioned such that a majority of the volume of the actuator fluid passage network is between the first location of the rocker shaft and the second surface of the cylinder head.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a module for actuating fuel injectors and valves an internal combustion engine. The actuation module includes a housing having a high pressure rail and a low pressure rail. A plurality of actuation pistons are disposed in the housing and engage fuel injectors and intake/exhaust valves of the engine. One or more actuating valve assemblies control the flow of hydraulic fluid from the high pressure rail each of the actuation pistons.

Abstract: A pressure pulse generator comprising a circuit (12) filled with a pressure fluid, and at least one communication channel (15) that is connected to the circuit and via which the pressure fluid can flow into and out of the circuit. The pressure pulse generator comprises a first pair (8, 9) and a second pair (10, 11) of electrically controlled valves that are connected in series, and the first pair of valves (8,9) is arranged in said circuit (12) upstream the at least one communication channel (15), and the second pair of valves (10, 11) is arranged in said circuit (12) downstream the at least one communication channel (15).

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (10) for actuating valves (12) of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine comprising at least a controlled hydraulic actuator actuating the associated valve (12) which is provided in the form of a cylinder wherein a mobile piston (24) connected to the valve delimits two opposite hydraulic pressure chambers each supplied with an incompressible fluid (FHI) and pressure regulated by a control unit such that the pressure prevailing in one of the chambers (28, 30) is alternately higher/lower than that which prevails in the other chamber to actuate the valve (12). The invention is characterised in that each pressure chamber (28, 30) of the cylinder (20) is capable of communicating with a corresponding actuating hydraulic pressure source (32, 34), which comprises pneumatic return means for the fluid. The invention also concerns a method for controlling said device (10).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a camless valve driving device, without having a cam mechanism, which can reduce the valve driving energy and enhances fuel efficiency. According to the one preferred aspect of the present invention, the valve driving device of an internal combustion engine includes a pressure chamber (18), to which actuating fluid, to drive opening and closing of a main valve (11) serving as an intake valve or as an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine, is supplied; a first actuating valve (20) for supplying high-pressure (Pc) actuating fluid to the pressure chamber (18) during a prescribed period (tCP1) of the initial valve opening period of the main valve; a second actuating valve (34) for introducing low-pressure (Pf) actuating fluid to the pressure chamber (18) after the prescribed period (tCP1) has elapsed; a third actuating valve (30) for discharging actuating fluid from the pressure chamber (18) when the main valve (11) is closed.

Abstract: A valve spring device using pressurized gas for use in biasing a reciprocating valve which moves between a seated position and open position. The device features a static housing having a static chamber what is translateably engaged with dynamic housing. Chambers inside both housings are sealably engaged such that the dynamic housing translates away from the static housing when pressurized gas is communicated to the engaged sealed chambers thereby biasing the dynamic housing away from the static housing and moving the attached valve. Timing of oscillation of the translation and resulting valve timing is controlled by a controller activating a control valve between a pressurizing state and a venting state. The timing may be adjusted to accommodate the engine timing through varying the controller's activation of the control valve and optionally varying the pressure of the gas using a regulator.

Abstract: A valve driving device reduces the volume of the pressure chamber and decreases the energy supplied during driving to open the main valve. As a result of this initial energy, the main valve is lifted by inertial motion. When the main valve is opened (lifted), a first actuating valve is opened, and high-pressure actuating fluid is supplied to the pressure chamber. When in this process the pressure in the pressure chamber falls below the pressure of a low-pressure chamber, a second actuating valve opens independently, and low-pressure actuating fluid is introduced into the pressure chamber. By this means negative pressure in the pressure chamber can be prevented, and the main valve can be held in a lift position equivalent to the initial energy. When the main valve is to be closed, an actuator forcibly opens the second actuating valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variably adjustable mechanical valve gear for at least one gas-reversing valve (1) provided with a closing spring (2) on a piston-type internal combustion engine having a drive mechanism (13) for generating a lifting movement that is effective counter to the force of the closing spring (2) on the gas-reversing valve (1) and with a stroke transfer means (4) in the form of a pivoting element (8), arranged between the driving mechanism (13) and the gas-reversing valve (1), which acts upon the gas-reversing valve (1) in the direction of its movement axis (14) and for which the lifting distance in the direction of the movement axis (14) can be changed via an adjustable guide element (11), wherein the pivoting element is connected to the gas-reversing valve with its end that is effective in the direction of the movement axis (14) and to the driving mechanism (13) with its end opposite the gas-reversing valve (1) and is guided to pivot back and forth on the guide element (11) designed as c

Abstract: A device is indicated for controlling at least one gas exchange valve (10) for an combustion cylinder of an internal combustion engine, having an hydraulic actuator (12) for valve actuation and having a high-pressure pump that supplies the actuator (12) with a pressure medium. In order to reduce the production costs, the high-pressure pump is formed as a control-sleeve pump (13) having a stroke-driven pump plunger (22) that limits a pump chamber (24), and having a spool valve (13) surrounding this plunger. In the pump plunger (22) and spool valve (13), on the one hand a control groove (27) that runs obliquely to the stroke direction is provided, and on the other hand a spill opening (30) that cooperates therewith is provided, which together bring about a relief of pressure of the pump chamber (24) when they overlap.

Abstract: A method for operating a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine having gas exchange valves which are variably adjustable with respect to the valve opening characteristics either directly electromagnetically or by way of an electrohydraulic valve actuation system which includes several electromagnetic valves. For adaptation of all gas exchange valves to a desired valve opening characteristics, the electromagnetic valves are operated cylinder-selectively in the operation of the internal combustion engine by means of variable actuating voltages and/or actuating currents.

Abstract: Hydraulic engine valve actuation systems and methods for internal combustion engines. The systems utilize a proportional valve to regulate the flow of a working fluid to and from a hydraulic actuator controlling the engine valve position. The position of the proportional valve is controlled by one or more high speed valves to control various engine valve parameters, including engine valve takeoff and landing velocities. Returning all valves to a known starting position between engine valve events avoids accumulation of errors in proportional valve positioning. Embodiments using spool valves for the high speed valves and the proportional valve, and spring return and hydraulic return for the engine valve, are disclosed. A specially shaped spool in the proportional valve provides enhanced control over the engine valve operation. Various further alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A manifold for housing high-pressure oil on a camless engine includes an extruded aluminum body having first and second ends. First, second and third extruded channels are formed in the body and each extends from the first end to the second end of the body. The manifold has a plurality of switching valve mounting bores configured to receive a plurality of switching valves operative to alternately communicate the channels with intake and exhaust valves of an engine to which the manifold is mounted to affect movement of the valves.

Abstract: In a valve timing adjusting apparatus, rotating response speed of a vane rotor and a moving speed of a lock piston are changed according to changes of oil temperature and pressure. It sometimes happens that the lock piston passes the fitting hole before the lock piston is fitted in the fitting hole. Timing of actuating a solenoid valve is retard by a given delay time from timing of actuating a spool valve. The given delay time is decided by a map based on sensor signals representing the oil temperature and pressure input to ECU. The given delay time is shorter as the oil temperature increases and longer as the oil pressure increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic actuator for actuating a gas exchange valve (1) of an internal combustion engine, which valve is especially closed by the effect of a spring. Said actuator is configured by a feed pump (6) with intermittent and thus variable delivery. Said feed pump (6) has a high frequency and can be equipped for this purpose with piezoelectric, magnetorestrictive and/or electrochemical actuators as the feed elements. Optionally, the feed pump (6) can be operated with a stop valve (7) that is disposed downstream of the gas exchange valve (1) and that is controlled or regulated depending on the feed pump.

Abstract: In an internal-combustion engine equipped with an electronically controlled hydraulic system for variable actuation of the inlet and/or exhaust valves of the engine, the hydraulic system for actuation of the valves includes, for each engine valve, a solenoid valve for controlling the corresponding hydraulic actuator. Each solenoid valve is controlled according to a pre-set control criterion according to the operating parameters of the engine, said pre-set control criterion corresponding to reference operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid and, in particular, to the value of viscosity of the hydraulic fluid, which varies with temperature. The aforesaid control criterion is, however, adjusted according to an estimated deviation between reference operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid and actual operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A device for controlling at least one gas-changing valve (10) of an internal combustion engine includes a valve adjuster (20) with an adjusting piston (16) limiting two pressure chamber (17, 18). The lower pressure chamber (18) is permanently acted upon by fluid pressure and the upper pressure chamber (17) can be interchangeably pressurized or depressurized with the fluid pressure. The braking of the adjusting piston (16) before reaching its upper end position affecting the closing position of the gas-changing valve, the return (22) of the upper pressure chamber (17) is divided into at least two axially spaced run-off openings (221, 222), of which the lower run-off opening (222) can be closed by the adjusting piston (16) and the upper run-off opening (221) is connected with the lower run-off opening (222) via a throttle opening (23) controllable in an opening cross section.

Abstract: An engine with a lockable valve actuator and method of controlling an engine with such an actuator are disclosed. The actuator may include an actuator cylinder with an actuator piston reciprocatingly disposed therein. The actuator piston may be moved by directing pressurized fluid into the actuator cylinder, and locked into a given position by maintaining the pressurized fluid in the actuator cylinder. The actuator may be used in conjunction with a mechanically driven actuator used to move a valve, with the fluidically driven actuator being used to maintain the valve into a desired position.

Abstract: A generally conventional lash adjuster is modified by incorporating a coaxially oriented hydraulic control piston assembly within the guide body. The control piston normally fixes latch means, such a plurality of hard spheres, in multiple detents loaded in compression with the other components, to provide a rigid stop, but when the control piston is hydraulically pressurized, the detents are overcome and the piston assembly provides a resilient or soft stop that accommodates extended displacement (retraction) of the lash adjuster within the guide. The hydraulic actuation is preferably implemented with a three-way solenoid valve or the like, for controlling high-pressure oil to a gallery and associated inlet ports for the control piston assembly. In the typical implementation of the invention, the piston need have only two operational positions-denergized to establish the detent or hard stop condition, or fully energized to establish the valve deactivation position.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine with two inlet valves for each cylinder is provided with an electronically controlled system for actuating said valves. The electronic control unit is programmed so as to control in a differentiated way the two inlet valves according to a first law of opening and closing and a second law of opening and closing, which are different from one another. The electronic control means are moreover designed for reversing with respect to one another the laws of opening and closing of the two inlet valves at each operating cycle of the engine or else with a periodicity equal to more than one operating cycle of the engine, so that each of the two inlet valves alternately follows the first law and the second law of opening and closing.

Abstract: A system for actuating a valve element in an engine valve assembly of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system has a first piston that includes a first rod and is disposed in a first chamber. The system also includes a second piston that has a second rod with an end being separated from the engine valve assembly by a predetermined distance. The second piston is disposed in a second chamber that is in fluid connection with the first chamber such that movement of the first piston causes a corresponding movement of the second piston. A cam having a cam lobe is operatively engaged with the first rod such that rotation of the cam and cam lobe moves the first piston to thereby move the second piston. The cam lobe has a shape adapted to cause the second rod to move through the predetermined distance and to engage the engine valve assembly to move the valve element at a predetermined point in the operating cycle of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for controlling at least one engine valve (25) of a combustion engine. The arrangement incorporates a hydraulic circuit with a pump (1), a control valve (2) which is designed to control a flow of medium in the circuit, and a power device (3) which is designed to move the engine valve (25) between open and closed positions. The pump (1) is designed to circulate a flow of medium continuously in at least part of the circuit during an operating state of the combustion engine, and the control valve (2) is designed to direct as necessary the flow of medium circulated by the pump (1) to the power device (3) so that the latter moves the motor valve (25) in a desired direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves in accordance with the invention includes oil flow galleries. Engine oil under pressure communicates with a global supply gallery in the manifold assembly, from which pressurized oil is supplied selectively via individual supply galleries to each variable actuator for each valve through the action of solenoid valves. At engine startup, all galleries may be empty of oil, or partially filled. A global relief valve at the end of the global supply gallery causes air to be purged immediately upon startup of the engine. Each solenoid and individual gallery is provided with a low pressure relief valve leading back to the crankcase when the solenoid supply valve is closed. A bleed orifice between the global supply gallery and each individual gallery continually bleeds oil under low pressure into the individual gallery, which purges initial air therein.

Abstract: A device is described for controlling gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine, which has hydraulic valve positioners (17, 18), each having a positioning piston (26) acting on the gas exchange valve (12, 13) and two hydraulic working chambers (27, 28), delimited by the positioning piston (26), of which the first working chamber (27), for closing the gas exchange valve (12, 13), is continuously under fluid pressure and the second working chamber (28), for opening the gas exchange valve (10), may be alternately filled and emptied with pressurized fluid via a first and second electrical control valve (34, 35).

Abstract: In a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, equipped with an electronically controlled hydraulic system for the variable operation of the engine's inlet valves, an indicator of the differences in the amount of air aspirated by the cylinders of the engine during the respective induction phase is provided and said system controls the various inlet valves of the engine in a differentiated manner, varying the time and/or opening travel for the purpose of minimizing the differences between the amounts of air aspirated by the various cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine is disclosed, which have hydraulic valve actuators (11) each assigned to one gas exchange valve, with one adjusting piston (13) acting on the gas exchange valve and two hydraulic work chambers (121, 122) defined by the adjusting piston (13), of which chambers the first work chamber (121), acting on the gas exchange valve (10) in the closing direction, is constantly filled with fluid that is under pressure, and the second work chamber (122), acting on the gas exchange valve (10) in the opening direction, can be filled with and relieved of fluid that is under pressure in alternation via a first and second electrical control valve (24, 25; 26, 27).

Abstract: A central bolt for attaching a camshaft phaser to a camshaft of an internal combustion engine. The bolt also functions as oil supply means and is provided with a first longitudinal passage, for supplying engine oil under pressure from a front camshaft bearing to an oil control valve disposed in an outer cover of the phaser, and with second and third longitudinal passages for supplying phaser control oil from the oil control valve to advance and retard chambers within the phaser.

Abstract: A locking pin mechanism disposed in a bore in a cam phaser rotor vane for controllably engaging the camshaft sprocket to rotationally lock together the rotor and stator of a vane-type camshaft phaser. A lock pin sleeve in the bore extends from the vane through a slot in the cover plate. Disposed within the sleeve is a slidable lock pin having a locking head for engaging the sprocket and a tail portion extending through the outer end of the sleeve. The tail portion of the lock pin may be manually retracted by an operator while the phaser is being installed or removed from the engine, thus preventing damage from high torque exerted via the phaser attachment bolt in bolting the phaser to the engine.

Abstract: The invention concerns a variable timing device for reciprocating engines with, at least two cam shafts (AC1, AC2) comprising, at least an intake valve (A) and at least an exhaust valve (E) actuated by said shafts, and means for shaft angular offset D1, D2). The invention is characterised in that at least a common valve (A) is actuated by hydraulic transmission means (4, 9, 10) adapted to transmit to said valve the movement of at least two cams (A1, A2) belonging to the shafts with distinct cams (AC1, AC2) capable of being offset relative to each other. The invention also concerns engines comprising said timing system and a timing and turbocharging method capable of using said distribution.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic valve control (10) of an internal combustion engine includes at least one actuator (24) that acts on a gas exchange valve (38). This actuator (24) in turn has at least one working chamber (30), which in order to switch the actuator (24) from a first position into a second position, is connected to a high-pressure hydraulic accumulator (16) and shut off from a low-pressure return (56). In order to switch the actuator (24) from the second position back into the first position, the working chamber (30) is connected to the low-pressure return (56) and shut off from the high-pressure hydraulic accumulator (16). The pressure in the high-pressure hydraulic accumulator (16) is kept constant or reduced in a simple manner by virtue of the working chamber (30) being connected to the high-pressure hydraulic accumulator (16) and the low-pressure return (56) at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus to clean an oil control valve for use by an internal combustion engine. The invention causes the oil control valve to execute a cleaning routine when specific entrance criteria are met. This ensures cleaning of the valve to remove contaminants that are wedged, pinched or otherwise trapped on the valve, without interference in the operation of the engine.

Abstract: An engine valve actuator for an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine valve actuator includes a housing having an opening and a first fluid passageway leading to the opening. An adjustment member is disposed in the housing and includes a protrusion that extends into the opening of the housing. A piston is disposed in the opening of the housing and has a bore adapted to receive the protrusion, a chamber, and a second fluid passageway that connects the bore with the chamber. The piston is adapted to move in a first direction relative to the housing in response to an introduction of pressurized fluid into the first fluid passageway. The piston moves in the first direction until the protrusion substantially withdraws from the bore. A push rod is operatively engaged with the piston such that movement of the piston in the first direction causes a corresponding movement of the push rod to thereby engage and open the engine valve.

Abstract: An exhaust valve apparatus for an internal combustion engine exhaust valve having a thermally prestressed bender actuator, which moves through a displacement in response to a command signal from a control unit. An actuator drive responsive to motion of the thermally prestressed bender actuator operates an exhaust valve actuator system, which, in turn, operates the exhaust valve. The thermally prestressed electroactive bender actuator and the exhaust valve actuator system operate the exhaust valve to effect engine compression braking.

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system may include an actuation assembly having a body, a slidable piston, and first, second, and third chambers defined between the piston and the body. Low pressure and high pressure fluid sources may be included. A first fluid passage may connect the low pressure fluid source to the second chamber. A second fluid passage may connect the high pressure fluid source to the second chamber, and a third fluid passage may connect the high pressure fluid source to the third chamber. A control valve may be connected to the low pressure fluid source, to the high pressure fluid source, and to the first chamber. The control valve may be configured to move between a first position at which the high pressure fluid source is connected to the first chamber, and a second position at which the low pressure fluid source is connected to the first chamber.

Abstract: In an internal-combustion engine with a hydraulic system for variable operation of the valves, the tappet actuated by each cam of the camshaft is slidably mounted in a tubular body which is made of a single piece with a bushing for guiding the valve-actuating piston.