With Manifold And Distributor Patents (Class 123/90.13)
  • Patent number: 11454199
    Abstract: Generally, a rotatable valve assembly operative in an internal combustion engine is provided. The rotatable valve assembly may comprise a valve body rotatably supported in the cylinder head. The valve body may have various shapes which may allow to maximize an effective working area of a combustion chamber head and at the same time to decrease an overall space occupied by a cylinder head of the engine. The rotatable valve assembly may directly utilize an engine's camshaft rotational motion to drive the rotational motion of the valve body, thereby eliminating a need in dedicated mechanisms that convert the camshafts rotational motion into linear translational motion typically utilized in current cylinder heads. Finally, rotational motion of the valve body may reduce a time required to reach a maximal effective working area for air-fuel mixture supply and/or gas exhaust and/or may provide a smoother and quitter engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: Yacob Rafaeli
  • Patent number: 11313294
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed that include an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and controlling the intake manifold pressure during early intake valve opening to reduce or prevent oil consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Shipp
  • Patent number: 11008952
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes an engine with a plurality of pistons housed in respective ones of a plurality of cylinders, an air intake system to provide air to the plurality of cylinders through respective ones of a plurality of intake valves, an exhaust system to release exhaust gas from the plurality of cylinders through respective one of a plurality of exhaust valves. The internal combustion engine uses vacuum braking and/or compression release braking in response to one or more braking conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Anshul Shambhav, Thomas M. Yonushonis, Adrian P. Dale, Samuel C. Geckler, David J. Stroh, Adam C. Cecil, Anthony Kyle Perfetto, Ryan Edward Schultz
  • Patent number: 10132257
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an exhaust purification catalyst. A control system includes an air-fuel ratio sensor downstream of the exhaust purification catalyst, and an air-fuel ratio control device which controls the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas. The target air-fuel ratio is set to a lean air-fuel ratio when output air-fuel ratio of the sensor becomes a rich judged air-fuel ratio or less and is set to a rich air-fuel ratio when output air-fuel ratio becomes a lean judged air-fuel ratio or more. When the engine operating state is a steady operation state and is a low load operation state, at least one of an average lean degree of the target air-fuel ratio while the target air-fuel ratio is set to a lean air-fuel ratio and an average rich degree of the target air-fuel ratio while the target air-fuel ratio is set to a rich air-fuel ratio is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihisa Nakagawa, Shuntaro Okazaki, Yuji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9284865
    Abstract: A method includes energizing a solenoid valve of a hydraulic control system according to a predetermined timing schedule to move a valve member of the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is operatively connected to the switching component by a fluid control passage, such as a passage in an engine block, to deliver pressurized fluid from a supply passage when the valve member moves to switch the switching component from a first mode to a second mode. An operating parameter of the control system is measured. The operating parameter may be a period of time over which the valve member moves, or a sensed operating parameter of the fluid, such as pressure or temperature. The measured parameter is then compared with a predetermined parameter. Energizing of the solenoid valve is then adjusted based on the difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, David Turner, Mark L. Dell'Eva
  • Patent number: 9175630
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine with two intake valves for each cylinder is provided with a system for variable actuation of the intake valves, including a single solenoid valve for each cylinder that controls communication of a pressurized-fluid chamber of the system with an exhaust channel. The solenoid valve is a three-way, three-position solenoid valve, including an inlet permanently communicating with the pressurized-fluid chamber and with the hydraulic actuator of an intake valve, and two outlets communicating, respectively, with the actuator of the other intake valve and with the exhaust channel. The solenoid valve has a first position, in which the inlet communicates with both of the outlets, a second position, in which the inlet communicates only with the aforementioned outlet connected to the actuator of an intake valve and does not communicate, instead, with the outlet connected to the exhaust channel, and a third position, in which the inlet does not communicate with any of the two outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: C.R.F. SOCIETA CONSORTILE PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Sergio Stucchi, Onofrio De Michele, Raffaele Ricco, Marcello Gargano, Francesco Vattaneo, Domenico Lepore
  • Patent number: 9022067
    Abstract: A solenoid valve module includes a first solenoid valve having a first solenoid portion and a first valve body and a second solenoid valve having a second solenoid portion and a second valve body. The first valve body and the second valve body are integrally formed by a solenoid housing. The solenoid valve module is secured to a surface of an engine to provide hydraulic control for an engine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Robert J. Boychuk
  • Patent number: 8931443
    Abstract: Methods are provided for improved control of valve activation/deactivation mechanisms. One example method comprises, adjusting an electromechanical actuator to actuate cylinder valve deactivation/activation mechanisms. The actuator is operated at multiple levels based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, Danny Zdravkovski, Karen Willard
  • Patent number: 8857395
    Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotation member, a driven-side rotation member, a fluid chamber, an advanced angle chamber and a retarded angle chamber, a fluid control valve portion controlling supply and discharge of fluid relative to each of the advanced angle chamber and the retarded angle chamber, an accumulator accumulating a portion of fluid supplied to the fluid control valve portion from a pump at a fluid storage portion during an operation of an internal combustion engine and supplying fluid accumulated at the fluid storage portion to the fluid control valve portion at a start of the internal combustion engine, and a supply flow passage connecting the pump, the fluid control valve portion, and the accumulator in series. The accumulator includes a relief control valve portion configured to maintain a pressure of fluid accumulated at the fluid storage portion equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Mukaide, Shigemitsu Suzuki, Naoto Toma
  • Patent number: 8844480
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine with two intake valves for each cylinder is provided with a system for variable actuation of the intake valves, comprising a single solenoid valve for each cylinder that controls communication of the pressurized-fluid chamber of the system with an exhaust channel. The solenoid valve is a three-way, three-position solenoid valve, comprising an inlet permanently communicating with the pressurized-fluid chamber and with the hydraulic actuator of an intake valve, and two outlets communicating, respectively, with the actuator of the other intake valve and with said exhaust channel. The solenoid valve has a first position, in which the inlet communicates with both of the outlets, a second position, in which the inlet communicates only with the aforesaid outlet connected to the actuator of an intake valve and does not communicate, instead, with the outlet connected to the exhaust channel, and a third position, in which the inlet does not communicate with any of the two outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Sergio Stucchi, Onofrio De Michele, Raffael Ricco, Marcello Gargano, Francesco Vattaneo, Domenico Lepore
  • Patent number: 8813696
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic valve train is configured to change valve lift and valve opening/closing timing according to operation state of an engine. The electro-hydraulic valve train includes a valve stem having a valve head formed at a lower end thereof and a big-diameter stem formed at a middle portion thereof, the big-diameter stem having a larger diameter than the other portion, a swing arm having a roller contacting with a cam of a camshaft and an end connected to the valve stem, the one end being adapted to pivot with respect to the other end according to a rotation of the cam so as to move the valve stem upwardly or downwardly, a first brake unit enclosing the valve stem and adapted to perform brake operation in a case that the valve stem moves upwardly, and a second brake unit mounted at the other end of the swing arm and adapted to selectively move the other end of the swing arm upwardly or downwardly and to perform brake operation in a case that the other end of the swing arm moves downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Myungsick Choi
  • Patent number: 8746193
    Abstract: An engine includes a fluid pump configured to pressurize oil and a cylinder configured to combust a mixture of fuel and air therein. The engine also includes a valve arrangement configured to deliver air or fuel and air mixture to and exhaust post-combustion gases from the cylinder. The engine additionally includes fluidly connected first and second switching mechanisms, and an oil gallery fluidly connecting the fluid pump and the second switching mechanism. The engine additionally includes an oil squirter in fluid communication with the second switching mechanism and configured to spray the pressurized oil into the cylinder. The second switching mechanism is operated by the pressurized oil to selectively activate and deactivate operation of the valve arrangement. Moreover, the first switching mechanism is configured to alternately direct the pressurized oil to the second switching mechanism to deactivate the operation of the valve arrangement and to feed the oil squirter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan Edgar Bowler, Robert Lionel Jacques
  • Patent number: 8733303
    Abstract: A method controls a valve-control system for variable-lift actuation of the valves of an internal-combustion engine, in which the valve-control system includes, for each cylinder of the engine, a solenoid valve for controlling the flow of a hydraulic fluid in the system, and designed manner for determining a real temperature value of the hydraulic fluid. The method includes determining a deviation of performance of the solenoid valves due to a degradation of the characteristics of the hydraulic fluid with respect to nominal values thereof, and substituting for the real temperature value an equivalent temperature value consisting of a temperature value at which the hydraulic fluid having nominal characteristics would produce performance of the solenoid valves corresponding to the performance resulting from the deviation so that each solenoid valve is governed as a function of the equivalent temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Claudio Lanfranco, Mitzi Puccio
  • Patent number: 8726860
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Kufner, Michael Berger, Calin Petru Itoafa
  • Patent number: 8714184
    Abstract: An improved ball type valve rotator is provided that includes a ball cage that may include an inner flange and outer walls that are connected to opposing inner and outer portions of a middle flange from which multiple ramps extend. The inner flange and outer walls may define respective boundaries of pockets that hold bearing balls and springs so that the bearing balls and springs are transversely confined between components that may be formed from a single piece of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Bronislaw B. Florek
  • Patent number: 8667940
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block, a cylinder head coupled to the engine block and first and second lubrication systems. The first lubrication system includes a first pump in communication with the engine block and providing a first fluid to the engine block. The second lubrication system is isolated from the first lubrication system and includes a second pump in communication with the cylinder head and providing a second fluid to the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jason C. Melecosky, Timothy L. Neal
  • Patent number: 8662039
    Abstract: A camshaft phaser is provided for varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an engine. The camshaft phaser includes a stator having lobes. A rotor is disposed within the stator includes vanes interspersed with the stator lobes to define alternating advance and retard chambers. A lock pin is provided for selective engagement with a lock pin seat for preventing relative rotation between the rotor and the stator. Pressurized oil disengages the lock pin from the seat while oil is vented for engaging the lock pin with the seat. A phase relationship control valve is coaxial with the rotor and controls the flow of oil into and out of the chambers. A lock pin control valve is coaxial with the phase relationship control valve and controls the flow of oil to and from the lock pin. The control valves are operational independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Fischer, Thomas H. Lichti
  • Patent number: 8662035
    Abstract: An oil control valve is disposed in fluid communication between an oil supply gallery and an oil control gallery of an oil control system. The oil control valve has a first position that prevents flow of oil from the oil supply gallery to the oil control gallery and permits flow of oil from the oil control gallery to a downstream drain line, and a second position that permits flow of oil from the oil supply gallery to the oil control gallery and prevents flow of oil from the oil supply gallery to the drain line. An oil bypass passage is disposed in fluid communication between the oil supply gallery and the oil control gallery, and is disposed to bypass the oil control valve. The oil bypass passage has first and second oil flow constriction regions, and an intermediate volume disposed between the first and second oil flow constriction regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Nick John Hendriksma
  • Patent number: 8656873
    Abstract: An oil control valve assembly for an engine is provided that has a control valve with a valve body, and a manifold that defines a control passage in fluid communication with a valve lift switching component and an exhaust passage for exhausting fluid from the valve. The control valve is controllable to selectively direct fluid from a supply source to the control passage to actuate the valve lift switching component. An elongated tubular member is positioned adjacent the engine component and is operatively connected to the exhaust passage such that fluid flows from the exhaust passage to the elongated tubular member and through the elongated tubular member onto the engine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Dean Keller, Gerrit VanVranken Beneker, Robert John Boychuk, Leo Joseph Buresh, III
  • Patent number: 8656872
    Abstract: The variable lift hydraulic valve train works in conjunction with a master piston to provide a variable lift of a hydraulically operated valve by adjusting the hydraulic pressure created by the master piston. The variable lift hydraulic valve train includes a housing containing a variable camshaft, and stroke limiter piston. The stroke limiter piston is in fluid communication with the hydraulic fluid, which is in fluid communication with the master piston and valve piston. The position of the stroke limiter piston can be adjusted irrespective of engine RPM to provide varying lift and timing of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony Dike
  • Patent number: 8613265
    Abstract: A detent structure for a rocker shaft includes a camshaft, a rocker shaft, a shaft support, and a detent part. The camshaft is provided at a cylinder head of an engine. The shaft support is provided at the cylinder head to support the rocker shaft and has a support surface supporting the rocker shaft. The detent part is to prevent rotation of the rocker shaft. The detent part includes a bolt insertion hole and a detent bolt. The bolt insertion hole is displaced from a central axis of the rocker shaft and passes through the rocker shaft. The detent bolt is provided in the bolt insertion hole and is fastened to the shaft support to pass across the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sei Maruyama, Machiko Harada, Yoshiki Matsushiro
  • Patent number: 8573167
    Abstract: A control valve for a device to variably adjust control times of gas-exchange valves of an internal combustion engine. The control device has a valve housing and a control piston. The valve housing has an axial cavity with a dividing element arranged in the cavity that separates the cavity into two partial spaces and hydraulically seals the spaces from one another. The dividing element is produced separately from the valve housing and is positionally fixedly fastened in the cavity of the valve housing. The first partial space holds the control piston, and a supply connection is formed in the region of the first partial space. The second partial space has at least one first opening via which pressure medium can be supplied to the second partial space by a pressure medium pump, and at least one second opening by which the second partial space communicates with the supply connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Xuewei Chen, Chuck Chang, Roger Meyer
  • Patent number: 8534242
    Abstract: A device for variably adjusting the timing control of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine. The device has a hydraulic phase adjustment device, a control valve and an auxiliary pressure source. The phase adjustment device can be brought into driving connection with a crankshaft and a camshaft, the phase adjustment device has at least two counter-working pressure chambers, and a phase relation of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft is variably adjustable by charging of the pressure chambers with pressure medium. The control valve has at least one inflow port and a first and a second working port. The inflow port is connectable to a pressure medium pump, and the first working port is connectable to the first pressure chamber and the second working port to the second pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Busse
  • Publication number: 20130192547
    Abstract: An engine includes a fluid pump configured to pressurize oil and a cylinder configured to combust a mixture of fuel and air therein. The engine also includes a valve arrangement configured to deliver air or fuel and air mixture to and exhaust post-combustion gases from the cylinder. The engine additionally includes fluidly connected first and second switching mechanisms, and an oil gallery fluidly connecting the fluid pump and the second switching mechanism. The engine additionally includes an oil squirter in fluid communication with the second switching mechanism and configured to spray the pressurized oil into the cylinder. The second switching mechanism is operated by the pressurized oil to selectively activate and deactivate operation of the valve arrangement. Moreover, the first switching mechanism is configured to alternately direct the pressurized oil to the second switching mechanism to deactivate the operation of the valve arrangement and to feed the oil squirter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan Edgar Bowler, Robert Lionel Jacques
  • Patent number: 8453613
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system comprises: a housing having a bore formed therein; an outer piston slidably disposed in the bore, the outer piston having an orifice formed therein; a catch piston slidably disposed in the outer piston; and an cone-shaped extension extending from the inner piston, wherein the cone-shaped extension is adapted to provide a variable flow area through the outer piston orifice to provide improved engine valve seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhou Yang, Ryan C Noss, Brian Ruggiero, John A. Schwoerer, Neil Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8453619
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve actuation assembly may include a housing, a piston, a supply control valve, a closing control valve, and an opening control valve. The housing may define a first fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber, and a third fluid chamber. The piston may be axially secured to an engine valve and located within the first, second and third fluid chambers. The supply control valve may control a hydraulic fluid supply to the piston. The closing control valve may be located between the supply control valve and the second fluid chamber and may control fluid flow from the second fluid chamber to the supply control valve. The opening control valve may be located between the supply control valve and the second fluid chamber and may control fluid flow from the supply control valve to the second fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Craig D. Marriott
  • Patent number: 8424499
    Abstract: Pneumatic system for controlling the valves of an internal combustion engine; the pneumatic system is provided with: a pneumatic accumulator containing pressurized air; a pneumatic manifold; a control device to connect the pneumatic manifold alternatively to the pneumatic accumulator with the internal combustion engine in the high rpm range and to the atmosphere with the internal combustion engine in the low rpm range; a plurality of pneumatic springs, each of which has a variable volume actuating chamber and a piston mounted slidingly inside the actuating chamber; a plurality of connecting conduits, each of which connects the actuating chamber of a respective pneumatic spring to the pneumatic manifold; and a plurality of calibrated cross-sectional portions, each of which has a reduced cross-sectional area and is arranged along a respective connecting conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mauro Rioli, Gianluca Pivetti, Joerg Ross, Attilio Pietroni
  • Patent number: 8413622
    Abstract: There are provided first and second extending oil passages supplying operational oil to intake-side and exhaust-side lash adjustors, a first connection oil passage interconnecting one end portions of the oil passages, and an oil-pressure control valve selecting a first state in which the first extending oil passage does not connect to a drain oil passage or a second state in which the first extending oil passage connects to the drain oil passage. An orifice is provided in an oil passage which is located on the side of the first connection oil passage relative to a supply portion of the operational oil supplied to the lash adjustor and located on the side of the first connection oil passage relative to another supply portion of the operational oil supplied to the lash adjustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Noda, Tomoya Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8413621
    Abstract: A hydraulic assembly (5) for a cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine having a hydraulically variable valve train (1) is provided. A high pressure chamber (11), a medium pressure chamber (12) and a low pressure chamber (16), which serves as a hydraulic medium reservoir, are configured in the hydraulic assembly. The low pressure chamber communicates through a throttling point (17) with the medium pressure chamber, which throttling point is formed by a displaceable valve body (19) and, depending on the position of the valve body, provides flow cross-sections of different sizes in order to minimize the leakage out of the hydraulic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Rinnert
  • Patent number: 8381693
    Abstract: According to the invention, recuperation may be optimized for a hydraulically-operated gas exchange valve by provision of two fluid-filled pressure chambers and a movable regulating piston with two active faces each defining one of the pressure chambers. The pressure chambers are each connected to two hydraulic valves of which the first hydraulic valves may be pressurized from a first pressure reservoir and the second hydraulic valves may be connected to a base pressure reservoir. The first hydraulic valves may furthermore be connected to a second pressure reservoir. A control or regulation device switches the valves, from a rest position in a first accelerating phase and a braking phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: EMPA Eidgenossische Materialprufungs-und Forschungsanstalt
    Inventors: Bernhard Rust, Patrik Soltic, Christian Bach
  • Patent number: 8307793
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises at least two intake valves per cylinder, each of them provided with respective spring return means which push the valve towards a closed position. The intake valves of each cylinder are controlled by a single cam of an engine camshaft, through a single tappet actuated by said cam and through a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system comprises a master cylinder having a piston positively connected to said tappet and two hydraulic actuators respectively associated to the two intake valves and which are both hydraulically connected to a common pressure chamber of said master cylinder. The return spring means associated to the intake valves of one and the same engine cylinder have predetermined loadS and/or rigidities which are different from each other, in such a way that said intake valves have different lift profiles, so as to cause a swirl motion of the air fed into the engine cylinder, which allows to improve the air-fuel mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Ferreri Paolo, Gianolio Laura, Micelli Damiano, Peci Davide, Perna Francesco, Vattaneo Francesco
  • Patent number: 8302570
    Abstract: An oil control valve assembly for an engine is provided that has a control valve with a valve body, and a manifold that defines a control passage in fluid communication with a valve lift switching component and an exhaust passage for exhausting fluid from the valve. The control valve is controllable to selectively direct fluid from a supply source to the control passage to actuate the valve lift switching component. An elongated tubular member is positioned adjacent the engine component and is operatively connected to the exhaust passage such that fluid flows from the exhaust passage to the elongated tubular member and through the elongated tubular member onto the engine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Dean Keller, Gerrit VanVranken Beneker, Robert John Boychuk, Leo Joseph Buresh, III
  • Patent number: 8230830
    Abstract: An electronically controlled hydraulic system for variable actuation of the valves of an internal combustion engine is constructed for fast filling of the high pressure side of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventor: Francesco Vattaneo
  • Patent number: 8230829
    Abstract: A control arrangement for a gas exchange valve in a piston engine adapted between the camshaft of the engine and the valve mechanism, which control arrangement comprises a body part and a chamber arranged therein, into which chamber a connection for hydraulic medium opens and in which a piston device is arranged in force transmission connection with the camshaft and the valve mechanism. The connection for hydraulic medium opens to a space in the chamber, which space increases as the piston device moves in the opening direction of the valve, whereby hydraulic medium is arranged to flow into the space, when the valve is being opened, and out of the space, when the valve is being closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Wärtsilä Finland Oy
    Inventors: Magnus Sundsten, Saku Niinikangas, Jussi Autio
  • Patent number: 8220427
    Abstract: A spool valve 10 for a variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser for an internal combustion engine comprises a spool 11 slidable in a bore 12 in a valve sleeve 13, the spool 11 having spaced apart lands 14-17 dividing the bore 12 into chambers 41, 42, 43 between adjacent lands. The valve sleeve 13 has fluid passages 22-27 including a lock passage 26 communicating with a lock pin 31, a vent passage 27 communicating with a fluid sump 35, and a lock pin oil feed passage 22, with the spool 11 being slidable in the bore 12 to interconnect select passages via particular chambers, wherein the vent passage 27 and the lock pin passage 26 are connectable with different chambers 43 and 42 respectively. The arrangement avoids unnecessary operation of the lock pin 31.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Jaguar Cars Limited
    Inventor: Matt James Child
  • Patent number: 8215271
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit (5) is provided for a cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine with a hydraulically variable valve train (1). In the hydraulic unit, a high-pressure chamber (11), a medium-pressure chamber (12), and a low-pressure chamber (16) used as the hydraulic medium reservoir are formed. The low-pressure chamber communicates via a throttle point (17, 17?, 17?, 17??) with the medium-pressure chamber, and the throttle point is formed by a displaceable valve body (19, 19?, 19?, 19??) and has through-flow cross sections of different sizes according to a position of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Kuhl, Lothar von Schimonsky, Thomas Kremer, Calin Petru Itoafa, Jens Lang, Andreas Eichenberg
  • Patent number: 8210140
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit (5) is provided for a cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine with a hydraulically variable gas-exchange valve train (1). In the hydraulic unit, a high-pressure chamber (11), a medium-pressure chamber (12), and a low-pressure chamber (16) used as the hydraulic medium reservoir are formed. The low-pressure chamber communicates via a throttle opening (17, 17?, 17?, 17??) with the medium-pressure chamber, and the throttle opening extends through a housing seal (23) produced as a separate component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mario Kuhl, Andreas Eichenberg
  • Patent number: 8191518
    Abstract: A valvetrain control arrangement for an internal combustion engine. A fluid-working machine (1) has working chambers (3) of cyclically varying volume, each connected to a piston actuator (4) which is capable of moving an intake or exhaust valve in the internal combustion engine. The engine crankshaft (2) drives a crankshaft of the fluid-working machine at the same speed as the engine. Each working chamber (3) is linked to a low-pressure manifold (7) by a venting valve (6), the venting valve being normally open but electromagnetically closable by a signal from an electronic sequencing means (8) which operates in timed relationship to the engine crankshaft phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Artemis Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Uwe Bernhard Pascal Stein, Niall James Caldwell, William Hugh Salvin Rampen
  • Patent number: 8186317
    Abstract: Combination of a housing having a fluid passage and one or more solenoid actuated fluid control valves communicated to the fluid passage wherein a permanent magnet is disposed in fluid passage upstream of the fluid control valves to magnetically capture or getter ferrous particles in fluid prior to entry into the fluid control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Hamid Najmolhoda, David Seid
  • Publication number: 20120118251
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure variable valve lift apparatus may include a housing that a piston chamber that one side thereof is opened is formed, a valve operating piston that is slidably disposed in the piston chamber and one end thereof is connected to a valve for opening/closing a port, and an EHV hydraulic pump that is configured to supply the piston chamber with oil, wherein a first oil passage is formed between the EHV hydraulic pump and the piston chamber on as to supply a side surface of the piston chamber with oil, and an orifice hole is formed from a piston side surface of the valve operating piston to a piston upper end surface. Accordingly, the valve lift amount can be varied according to the operating condition of the engine, a hydraulic pressure variable valve lift apparatus reduces an impact at a moment when the valve is closed by having a valve lift formed a ramp profile and does not require accurate process of multi orifice and thereby decreases a production cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Byong Young Choi, Young Hong Kwak, Gee Wook Shin, Jin Kook Kong, Soo Hyung Woo, Jin Soon Kim
  • Patent number: 8171900
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Inventor: Joel Cowgill
  • Patent number: 8146547
    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: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Scuderi Group, LLC
    Inventor: Zheng Lou
  • Patent number: 8091522
    Abstract: To provide a variable valve driving device which can accurately control the lift amount of valves and can be manufactured at a low cost. The device has: valves (10) serving as intake valves or exhaust valves of an engine; springs (11) for biasing the valves (10) in the valve closing direction; a cam (12) for pressing the valves (10) in the valve opening direction against a biasing force of the springs; a piston (19) joined to the valves (10); a control chamber (21) configured by a piston insertion hole (20) into which the piston (19) is inserted; and a control mechanism (24) for changing the valve closing timing of the valves (10) by controlling the introduction and discharge of a working fluid into and from the control chamber (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Akihiko Minato, Terukazu Nishimura, Takeshi Tokumaru, Tsuneo Tanaka
  • 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
  • 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: 20110259288
    Abstract: A hydraulic assembly (5) for a cylinder head (2) of an internal combustion engine having a hydraulically variable valve train (1) is provided. A high pressure chamber (11), a medium pressure chamber (12) and a low pressure chamber (16), which serves as a hydraulic medium reservoir, are configured in the hydraulic assembly. The low pressure chamber communicates through a throttling point (17) with the medium pressure chamber, which throttling point is formed by a displaceable valve body (19) and, depending on the position of the valve body, provides flow cross-sections of different sizes in order to minimize the leakage out of the hydraulic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Rinnert
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110203258
    Abstract: An exhaust valve actuation system (30) for initiating a regeneration event at a diesel particulate filter (24) includes an engine control module (42) associated with an engine (14). A plurality of exhaust valves (32) correspond to a plurality of engine cylinders (C1-C6). When either a predetermined amount of back pressure or a predetermined temperature, or both, are communicated to the engine control module (42), the engine control module actuates at least one exhaust valve (32) to open. Gas or gas-fuel mixture is compressed and heated inside of the cylinder (C1) corresponding to the opened exhaust valve (32). At least one exhaust valve (32) is not opened by the engine control module (42), which permits combustion inside the corresponding cylinder (C2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company , LLC
    Inventors: Andrei Makartchouk, Andrey Y. Buzinov
  • 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