Hydraulic System Patents (Class 123/90.12)
  • Patent number: 8074614
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include a cylinder head defining an engine coolant reservoir, a pressurized fluid supply, a valve actuation assembly, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The valve actuation assembly may be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply and may include a valve member displaceable by a force applied by the pressurized fluid supply. The hydraulic fluid reservoir may be in fluid communication with the valve actuation assembly and in a heat exchange relation to the engine coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Jeff L. Swain, Miguel A. Raimao
  • Patent number: 8069828
    Abstract: A mechanism (40) for enabling an engine cylinder valve (18) to close at various times during engine cycles has a hydraulic actuator (58) and a control valve (60) controlling the hydraulic actuator a) to constrain a pivot axis of a valve rocker (52) against relocation while the cylinder valve is being forced increasingly open, and b) to release the constraint after the cylinder valve has been forced open for enabling the pivot axis to relocate so that the intake valve can close early thereby providing early IVC. A hydraulic snubber (64) snubs closing motion of the cylinder valve through a scheduling geometry to a hydraulic accumulator (62). The control valve opens to the accumulator to allow the rocker pivot axis to relocate and provide early IVC and closes to return the pivot axis to a location that doesn't provide early IVC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: William de Ojeda, Daniel Cornelius
  • Publication number: 20110290204
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic valve controller for variable actuation of a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine. The electrohydraulic valve controller has a first hydraulic valve and, for the purpose of providing an emergency running capability, a second hydraulic valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas KUFNER, Michael BERGER, Calin Petru ITOAFA
  • Publication number: 20110277712
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic valve controller (1) for the variable actuation of a gas exchange valve (2) of an internal combustion engine is provided that includes a hydraulic valve (13), and for the purpose of emergency running properties, an additional hydraulic valve (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Nicola Morelli
  • Patent number: 8056523
    Abstract: The present invention provides to a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation with a new structure for increasing fuel efficiency in a gasoline engine. For this, the present invention provides a rocker arm apparatus for cylinder deactivation including: a rocker arm; a restoring spring supported at the bottom of a rear end portion of the rocker arm; a roller coupled to the rocker arm to be pressed by a cam; a pair of rocker shaft assemblies each including first and second rocker shafts, and a connecting rod integrally connecting the first and second rocker shafts; a pair of rocker shaft support members connected to the rocker arm by means of the first and second rocker shafts; and a transfer member for controlling the rocker shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kyoung Pyo Ha, Jin Kook Kong, Woo Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8056515
    Abstract: A device for the operation of a valve (5) to the combustion chamber (6) of a combustion engine, wherein the combustion engine comprises a cylinder, a piston (3) displacably arranged in the cylinder (2), and a combustion chamber (6) delimited by the cylinder (2) and the piston (3), and said valve (5), and wherein the device comprises a valve actuator (7) that comprises an actuator chamber (8), an actuator piston (9) displacably arranged in the latter and arranged to drive the valve (5), and a communication channel (11) through which a pressure fluid is conducted into the combustion chamber (8) for the driving of the actuator piston (9) and, thereby, the valve (5) in a direction in which the valve (5) is opened. The communication channel (11) extends from the combustion chamber (6) to the actuator chamber (8), and said pressure fluid comprises fluid pressurized by the pressure in the combustion chamber (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cargine Engineering AB
    Inventor: Mats Hedman
  • Patent number: 8055430
    Abstract: A valve characteristic controller including an oil pump, a valve timing varying mechanism, and a valve timing control unit is disclosed. The valve timing varying mechanism varies the valve characteristic value of intake valves in an engine based on the hydraulic pressure of hydraulic oil supplied from the oil pump. The valve timing control unit includes a storage and a detector. The storage stores computation maps used to calculate a target value for the valve characteristic value based on a plurality of engine control values. The detector detects the temperature of the hydraulic oil. The computation maps include a first map and a second map. The varying amount of the valve characteristic amount corresponding to a change in the engine control value in a low speed range of the engine speed is set to be smaller in the second map than the first map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuji Miyanoo
  • Patent number: 8051813
    Abstract: A scroll compressor for compressible fluids includes a fixed housing having a spiral-shaped feed chamber which contains a working fluid. A displacement member interacts with the feed chamber and includes a driveshaft which is supported in the housing and has an eccentric disk, a carrier disk which is mounted on the driveshaft, and spiral blades which extend out from both sides of the carrier disk. The displacement member is supported by a bearing on the eccentric disk. A lubricant supply system feeds lubricant to the bearing via the driveshaft and the eccentric disk, with a seal assembly sealing a lubricant chamber against the feed chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Spinnler Engineering
    Inventor: Fritz Spinnler
  • Patent number: 8051812
    Abstract: Actuators, and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators, provide independent valve control with a large initial or opening force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Scuderi Group, LLC
    Inventor: Zheng Lou
  • Publication number: 20110265746
    Abstract: A valve system for providing closing force to one or more valves of an engine is provided. In one example, the system comprises a first tappet bore in fluid communication with a second tappet bore via a bidirectional oil passage. The system may provide valve closing forces to assist in the closing of valves coupled to the tappet bores, lowering required valve spring forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Charles Fabros
  • Patent number: 8047167
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taku Hirayama, Hayato Maehara, Takaaki Tsukui
  • Patent number: 8042502
    Abstract: A valve drive with a decompression brake for an internal combustion engine, which has a camshaft with a cam, a rocker arm for transmitting the cam stroke to a gas exchange valve, a pivot bearing supporting the rocker arm, and a hydraulic valve play compensating element arranged in force flow between the cam and gas exchange valve. The valve play compensating element is fixed in the engine and valve drive also has a secondary lever with a first and second lever section. The secondary lever is angularly connected, between the lever sections, to a lever support formed on the rocker arm, is supported with the first lever section on the valve play compensating element and actuates the gas exchange valve by the second lever section. The effective lever arm of the first lever section is considerably greater than the effective lever arm of the second lever section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Oliver Schnell
  • Patent number: 8042509
    Abstract: A cam cap has a wall portion that extends between two cam cap portions integrally formed and having connection portions respectively, and therefore the rigidity of the cam cap is high and thus the relative positional accuracies of oil passage connection faces of the connection portions are high even after the cam cap is mounted on an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Junpei Shoji
  • Patent number: 8037854
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus of a variable valve system may include a variable valve device for controlling lift characteristics of a valve, a hydraulic pressure control pipe in which an slot is formed from the interior toward the exterior and hydraulic pressure is supplied to the inside thereof, and a driving unit for rotating the hydraulic pressure control pipe, wherein the hydraulic pressure is selectively transferred to the variable valve through the slot according to a rotation of the hydraulic pressure control pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Youngsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 8037865
    Abstract: A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Pacbrake Company
    Inventors: Vincent Meneely, Robert Price
  • Publication number: 20110239987
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine which includes a valve deactivation mechanism for reducing an output power shock upon changing of the cylinder number. In an internal combustion engine which includes a valve deactivation mechanism driven by a slide pin which is driven by hydraulic pressure, response delay time after a signal is sent to oil control valves until an intake valve and an exhaust valve are activated or deactivated is used to form a control map in response to control parameters, and the valve deactivation mechanism is controlled based on the control map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Hayato MAEHARA, Shunsuke Kitawaki, Shinji Saito, Yukihiro Asada
  • Patent number: 8020526
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit (5) for a cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine with a hydraulic, variable valve train (1) is provided. In the hydraulic unit, a high-pressure chamber (11), a medium-pressure chamber (12), and also a low-pressure chamber (16) used as a hydraulic medium reservoir are formed. The low-pressure chamber communicates merely via a choke opening (17) with the medium-pressure chamber, wherein the choke opening passes through a separating wall (18) extending between the low-pressure chamber and the medium-pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Rauch, Markus Proschko
  • Publication number: 20110220045
    Abstract: A variable valve device has a hydraulic actuator that implements discharge of operating oil in a pressure chamber and a hydraulic control valve that controls supply and discharge of the operating oil to and from the hydraulic actuator by opening and closing, thereby preventing the closing movement of the intake valve. After a signal that closes the hydraulic control valve in a current engine control cycle is output at a prescribed crank angle, the crank angle of a crankshaft, when surge pressure in the pressure chamber has exceeded a prescribed threshold value resulting from closing of the hydraulic control valve, is determined, and at least either an output crank angle or a waveform of the signal that closes the hydraulic control valve is corrected based on the operation start crank angle, and the corrected signal is output to the hydraulic control valve in a next control cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Etsuro Sato, Hideaki Tachibana, Youhei Hisada, kazuo Ohta
  • Publication number: 20110214631
    Abstract: A variable valve device and a method of controlling the variable valve device, wherein, in order to prevent a shortage of oil film in a spool section, only the spool of a solenoid on/off valve is moved at a timing not affecting operation of an air intake valve, to thereby stabilize operation of the solenoid on/off valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Etsuro Sato, Hideaki Tachibana, Youhei Hisada, Kazuo Ohta
  • Publication number: 20110214632
    Abstract: A hydro-mechanical variable valve actuation system capable to operate according the “ingoing air control” mode the multiair system of Fiat operates and according the “outgoing air control” mode wherein the load is controlled by the quantity of air that the intake valves allow to escape from the cylinder. A different long-duration cam lobe and a reprogramming of the digital controller is all it takes in order to upgrade the existing multiair system of Fiat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Manousos Pattakos, John Pattakos, Emmanouel Pattakos
  • Publication number: 20110209677
    Abstract: A hydraulic assembly (1), particularly for an electrohydraulic valve control of an internal combustion engine, and a hydraulic valve (2) for forming such an assembly are provided. The assembly includes a hydraulic valve with a valve housing (4) and a valve carrier (3) with a valve receiver (5) in which the valve housing is received. The valve housing has a first circumferential groove (9) and a second circumferential groove (10), with the grooves (9 and 10) being defined respectively by groove walls (13, 15 and 14, 16) and extending on two sides of a hydraulic connection (6) which extends through a peripheral wall of the valve housing (4). A bead (11, 12) formed by a plastic deformation of material of the valve carrier being received in each of the two said grooves (9, 10), so that the groove walls and the beads not only fix the valve housing in the valve receiver by positive engagement but also cooperate with each other to hydraulically seal the valve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventors: Thomas Krämer, Marco Meisborn, Steffen Alvermann, Johannes Weninger, Henrik Meinel
  • Patent number: 8001937
    Abstract: An oil gallery for a variable valve timing apparatus of a cylinder head includes an advance oil supply passage that fluidly connects an oil control valve hole and a variable valve timing journal, a retard oil supply passage that fluidly connects the oil control valve hole and the variable valve timing journal, and an oil chamber in at least one of the oil supply passages. The oil chamber may have a slanted ceiling that may slant upward toward an outlet opening of the oil chamber. The uppermost point of the ceiling may be positioned at the oil outlet. The lowermost point of the outlet opening may be above the bottom surface of the oil chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bong Sang Lee
  • Publication number: 20110197833
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joesph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Patent number: 7987824
    Abstract: A device for hydraulic control of gas exchange valves of a reciprocating internal combustion engine which has slave cylinders in operative connection with one or more gas exchange valves and master actuators in operative connection with at least one cam provided with a basic and cam profile of a camshaft that is rotatably driven by the engine and can be hydraulically connected to the slave cylinders. The device also has a control device controlled by an actuating member, the device controlling the volume of hydraulic liquid fed to the slave cylinders, and at least one feed line, via which low pressure liquid from a pressure source can be fed to the device by means of at least one non-return valve. The actuators have displaceable vanes, a component carrying the vanes, and cells limited by walls. The vanes are in operative connection with the basic and cam profile of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignees: Schaeffler KG, Aft Atlas Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH, Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Michael Haas, Eduard Golovatai-Schmidt, Martin Rauch, Wolfgang Reik, Dirk Neubauer, Detlef Axmacher, Lars Pfuetzenreuter, Dirk Kenter
  • Patent number: 7987827
    Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for controlling valve timing includes a first rotor, a second rotor, and a controller. The second rotor and the first rotor defines therebetween an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The controller includes a supply passage, at least one drain passage, a spool valve, at least one connection passage, and at least one check valve. The at least one connection passage connects the supply passage to the at least one drain passage when a spool of the spool valve is moved to one of the advance and retard positions. The at least one check valve is respectively provided in the at least one connection passage. The check valve allows working fluid to flow in a direction from the at least one drain passage toward the supply passage and limits working fluid from flowing in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiki Fujiyoshi, Osamu Sato
  • Publication number: 20110174250
    Abstract: An electric boost pump oiler system is set forth to assist the engine driven oil pump of a motorcycle engine, to prevent the decrease of oil pressure at a preset value of 10 psi automatically during above normal oil operation temperatures at engine idle speeds. Additionally before engine start, the boost pump oiler will automatically deliver oil through the engine for 10 seconds to prevent internal mechanism dry starts and prime the hydraulic lifters. Additionally in the event of an engine driven oil pump failure, the boost pump oiler will automatically deliver oil pressure through the engine's internal mechanisms to prevent engine seizure. Additionally to remove oil from the oil tank, a drain hose will quick connect to the output port of the boost pump oiler delivering oil to a collection container. Additionally the oiler mounts in a saddle bag for concealment with quick connect/disconnect hoses and quick connect/disconnect electrical fittings for saddle bag removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Andrew Borde
  • Publication number: 20110168111
    Abstract: An exhaust valve control method may include displacing an exhaust valve in communication with the combustion chamber of an engine to an open position using a hydraulic exhaust valve actuation system and returning the exhaust valve to a closed position using the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly. During closing, the exhaust valve may be displaced for a first duration from the open position to an intermediate closing position at a first velocity by operating the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly in a first mode. The exhaust valve may be displaced for a second duration greater than the first duration from the intermediate closing position to a fully closed position at a second velocity at least eighty percent less than the first velocity by operating the hydraulic exhaust valve actuation assembly in a second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: JOEL COWGILL
  • Patent number: 7975662
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is equipped with a variable valve controlling system, in which the single actuator is disposed in a cylinder head on one side where one ends of the rocker-arm shafts are disposed, while enabling the single actuator to activate the rocker arms irrespective of the arrangement of the rocker-arm shafts. In the internal combustion engine, a hydraulic cylinder of a hydraulic actuator is disposed so as to transverse a timing chamber. Operation elements extend respectively from sidewalls of a plunger in the hydraulic cylinder, and activate respective rocker-arm shafts. In a motorcycle on which the engine is mounted, a frame member of a vehicle frame is disposed outside the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Nakashima, Yoshihiro Takada, Yuichi Tawarada, Takuya Warashina
  • Patent number: 7971607
    Abstract: An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1) is provided having a magnetic armature (8) which is guided in a longitudinally movable fashion in an armature guide (9) and activates a valve push rod (15) which extends in a valve housing (14). The valve push rod (15) controls the connection between connection openings (28, 29, 30), formed in the valve housing (14), for hydraulic medium in that the valve push rod (15) is operatively connected to one or more sealing bodies (22, 23) which correspond to one or more sealing sleeves (17, 18) supported in the valve housing (14). The hydraulic valve (1) includes an arrangement for precipitating particles of dirt, which element includes an intermediate floor (31), which is arranged between the armature guide (9) and the connection openings (28, 29, 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christoph Ross, Herbert Stoeckel
  • Publication number: 20110146602
    Abstract: In a hydraulic system equipped with a main flow passage for feeding oil to each of lubricated engine parts and a branch passage branched from the main flow passage, a control valve apparatus is provided for adjusting a flow rate of the oil flowing through a portion of the main flow passage downstream of the branched point. The control valve apparatus is configured to control the flow rate to a large flow-rate side of a variable flow-rate range, until a hydraulic pressure of the oil flowing through the main flow passage becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure value after the engine has been started from its stopped state. The control valve apparatus is further configured to control the flow rate to a small flow-rate side of the variable flow-rate range, when the predetermined pressure value has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki KATO
  • Patent number: 7963259
    Abstract: A hydro-mechanical system is disclosed for actuating an outwardly opening valve of an engine, such as a crossover passage valve of a split-cycle engine. A developed embodiment includes a body having a plunger cylinder in hydraulic fluid communication with a valve cylinder. A plunger in the plunger cylinder is reciprocated to displace hydraulic fluid into the valve cylinder, the engine valve being opened by the hydraulic fluid displaced by the plunger into the valve cylinder and acting against the valve piston. A valve spring, preferably an air spring returns the engine valve to engage an outwardly facing valve seat to close a gas passage of the engine. Control valves and an energy reusing accumulator, along with valve seating control and lift brake features may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Scuderi Group, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Clive Lacy
  • Publication number: 20110132297
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic variable valve lift apparatus may include a housing, a master portion which is slidably disposed to the housing and contacts a cam, a first oil supply portion which supplies hydraulic pressure, a slave piston which is slidably disposed within the housing and defines an oil chamber with the master portion, a latching portion which is supplied the hydraulic pressure from the first oil supply portion and selectively connects the slave piston and the master portion, a second oil supply portion which selectively supplies hydraulic pressure to the oil chamber so as to control relative distances between the master portion and the slave piston when the slave piston is disengaged with the master portion, and a stepped portion formed to the housing between the master portion and the slave piston to elastically support the master portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hosung Cho, Jin Gyu Yang, Myung Rae Cho, Hong Wook Lee, Duk Jin Park, Seong Hyuk Kang, Taewon Park, Wootae Kim, Myungsik Choi, Jin Woo Yang, Eui Chul Choi, Sung Han Kang, Won Gyu Kim, Dae Sung Kim
  • Publication number: 20110132298
    Abstract: A system and method of actuating one or more engine valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a shaft and adapted to rotate between a first position and a second position, the rocker arm selectively receiving motion from the valve train element; a valve bridge disposed above the one or more engine valves; and a lost motion system disposed in the valve bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: BRIAN RUGGIERO, Neil Fuchs, Zhou Yang, Robb Janak
  • Patent number: 7954464
    Abstract: A cylinder head of an internal combustion engine having an electrohydraulic valve controller which includes a master unit (12), a slave unit (24), a hydraulic valve (4), a pressure relief space (18) and a pressure space (17) which is arranged in the direction of transmission between the master unit (12) and the slave unit (24) and can be connected to the associated pressure relief space (18) via the hydraulic valve (4). The master unit (12), the slave unit (24), the pressure space (17), the hydraulic valve (4), the pressure relief space (18) and a non-return valve (31) are preassembled in a common hydraulic housing (8), to form a pre-assembled hydraulic unit (3) which is fastened to the cylinder head (1) and which is connected to the hydraulic medium supply of the internal combustion engine via the non-return valve (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Markus Proschko
  • Patent number: 7950361
    Abstract: An advancing check valve is placed in an advancing connection passage of a spool to enable a flow of hydraulic fluid in a first direction from a retarding port side toward an advancing port side upon placement of the spool in an advancing position and to limit a flow of hydraulic fluid in a second direction from the advancing port side toward the retarding port side upon placement of the spool in the advancing position. A retarding check valve is placed in a retarding connection passage of the spool to enable a flow of hydraulic fluid in the second direction upon placement of the spool in a retarding position and to limit a flow of hydraulic fluid in the first direction upon placement of the spool in the retarding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiko Takenaka
  • Patent number: 7946262
    Abstract: A lifter oil manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves having first (top) and second (valve) plates having portions of oil control and oil exhaust passages formed therein. The assembly further includes a carrier member having an oil supply passage integrated thereby separating the oil supply path from the oil control and oil exhaust path. Further, the assembly includes towers for receiving and positioning the electro-magnetic oil control valves used to control oil flow in the assembly. The towers are molded separate from the carrier and are held in place by the valve plate or are molded integral with the carrier. In another aspect of the invention, oil control valve retention springs are molded integral with either the tower or the oil control valve. In a further aspect of the invention, a combined polymer restrictor/strainer in the oil circuit replaces a prior art metal die-cast restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic Borraccia, Alan G. Strandburg, David M. Peers, Michael J. Dinkel, Michael E. McCarroll
  • Publication number: 20110094463
    Abstract: A cam bearing cap may include a first bearing cap region, a pump mounting region, an oil inlet, and an oil outlet. The first bearing cap region may extend over and secure a first camshaft to an engine assembly. The pump mounting region may extend from the first bearing cap region and may have a secondary oil pump mounted thereto. The oil inlet may extend through the pump mounting region and may provide communication between the secondary oil pump and an oil supply. The oil outlet may extend through the pump mounting region and may provide communication between the secondary oil pump and a hydraulically actuated engine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: ROBERT JACK GALLON, DAVID R. STALEY
  • Patent number: 7926454
    Abstract: A pressure pulse generator, including a pressure pulse transmitting body, a chamber, divided into a first and a second part, a first conduit that leads between a high pressure source and the first part of the chamber, a second conduit that leads between a low pressure source and the second part of the chamber, the body being displaceably arranged in the second part of the chamber and being in contact with a pressure fluid in the chamber, and with the environment and being spring loaded in a direction towards the chamber. The pressure pulse generator includes elements for opening/interrupting the communication between the first part of the chamber and the high pressure source, and elements for opening/interrupting the communication between the second part of the chamber and the low pressure source, and an operable valve body for opening/interrupting the communication between the first and second parts of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cargine Engineering AB
    Inventor: Mats Hedman
  • Patent number: 7921818
    Abstract: Valve controller for reciprocating piston internal combustion engines with at least two intake and/or exhaust gas-exchange valves for each piston/cylinder unit, wherein the gas-exchange valves are guided by valve stems in a cylinder head (8) of the reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, loaded in a closing direction by valve springs, and can be controlled via a common bridge (10) by an activation device, wherein the bridge (10) is guided over a sliding surface parallel to the movement of the gas-exchange valves, the bridge (10) has at least one hydraulic valve clearance compensation element (14 or 15) that connects to a gas-exchange valve, and a device is provided that prevents rotation of the bridge (10) about the sliding surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Rauch, Thomas Kremer, Nicola Morelli
  • Patent number: 7905208
    Abstract: A system and method of actuating one or more engine valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a shaft and adapted to rotate between a first position and a second position, the rocker arm selectively receiving motion from the valve train element; a valve bridge disposed above the one or more engine valves; and a lost motion system disposed in the valve bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Ruggiero, Neil Fuchs, Zhou Yang, Robb Janak
  • Publication number: 20110056447
    Abstract: In a clearance compensating device for an internal combustion engine with an internal part movably arranged within a guide duct of an external part for adjusting a clearance of an associated valve of the internal combustion engine, a pressure chamber, and a storage chamber which is hydraulically connected to the pressure chamber for receiving hydraulic fluid are associated with the interior part. Between the two chambers a one-way valve is disposed for applying an actuating force to the interior part relative to the external part. A feeding device is hydraulically connected to a blocking chamber for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the blocking chamber in order to exert a blocking force to the internal part acting in a direction opposite the actuating force under the control of a timing device the blocking force being modified depending on a cycle of the timing devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: JOSEF ASTNER, DANIEL BÖHME, MARC OLIVER WAGNER, HARRY WOLF
  • Patent number: 7900597
    Abstract: A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Pacbrake Company
    Inventors: Vincent Meneely, Robert Price
  • Publication number: 20110048346
    Abstract: In one example, a method is described for an engine with a hydraulically actuated phaser for adjusting cam timing. The phaser is controlled by a hydraulic spool valve, for example, having a de-energized position that results in hydraulic force urging the phaser to a base timing. When it is desired to operate the cam timing at base timing, rather then leave the spool valve in a de-energized position that can generate leakage, the spool valve is adjusted to near a null position to reduce the hydraulic pressure drop across the cam journal and thus reduce oil leakage. In this way, it is possible to maintain base timing, while also reducing leakage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Denis Crowe, Jamie Charles Hanshaw
  • Publication number: 20110036315
    Abstract: An actuator is provided for operating a valve in an engine. The actuator includes a casing forming an actuation chamber for holding a working fluid and having a first cylinder portion with a first opening and a second cylinder portion with a second opening. A first plunger is held slidably at least partially within the first cylinder portion and exposed through the first opening, and a second plunger is held slidably at least partially within the second cylinder portion and exposed through the second opening. The first plunger is reciprocally movable by action of a rotating cam to displace working fluid within the actuation chamber. The second plunger reciprocally movable by pressure exerted on the second plunger by the working fluid and arranged to exert force on a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Ivan M. Lazich
  • Patent number: 7882810
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Vanderpoel, Guy L. Patterson, Zhou Yang, David A. Waldburger, Brian Ruggiero
  • Publication number: 20110023820
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an pneumatic hybrid internal combustion engine with at least one combustion chamber composed of a cylinder in which a piston is arranged mechanically interconnected to a crank shaft via a piston rod. An inlet valve and an exhaust valve are both mechanically interconnected via a valve gear to the crank shaft. The engine further includes at least one charge valve which is actuated by a charge valve actuator in a fully variable manner such that the engine can be operated in a four stroke hybrid mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Dönitz, Christopher Onder, Julian Vasile, Lino Guzzella, Pascal Higelin, Yann Chamaillard, Alain Charlet
  • Patent number: 7878162
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. McClure, Sean O. Cornell, Robert L. Miller, John S. Pipis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7874274
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the variable setting of control times of gas-exchange valves (9a, b) of an internal combustion engine (1) is provided and includes a drive element (22), a driven element (23), at least one pressure chamber (35, 36), a pressurized medium system (37), and a pressure storage device (43). The pressure chamber (35, 36) and the pressure storage device (43) communicate with the pressurized medium system (37), and a phase position between the driven element (23) and the drive element (22) can be changed by supplying pressurized medium to or discharging pressurized medium from the pressure chamber (35, 36) by the pressurized medium system (37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Strauss
  • Patent number: 7874272
    Abstract: A method of variable valve timing in an internal combustion engine in which the valve opening and closing timing of the actuated gas exchange valves of the internal combustion engine can be varied as a function of engine speed by adjusting means for adjusting at least one camshaft relative to a crankshaft, said internal combustion engine comprising hydraulic valve lash adjusters for adjusting a valve lash of the gas exchange valves, said lash adjusters being configured at least on one of an inlet side and an outlet side as idle stroke elements which, when actuated, at first produce an engine speed-dependent idle stroke and to provide a method of variable valve timing for internal combustion engines comprising a camshaft adjustment and a hydraulic valve adjustment with an idle stroke function that guarantees favorable valve timing in all operational situations of the internal combustion engine and, at the same time, improves the thermodynamic exploitation of such internal combustion engines, at each adjustment
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Oliver Schnell, Peter Sailer, Martin Scheidt
  • Publication number: 20110011357
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dale A. Stretch, Matthew P. Scarbrough, John D. Auxier, JR.