Abstract: A pressure fluid handling system includes a closed pressure fluid circuit. The pressure fluid circuit includes, connected in series, a compressor and a pressure sink and a primary pressure fluid route from the compressor to the pressure sink and a secondary pressure fluid route from the pressure sink to the compressor. The pressure fluid handling system further includes a pressure fluid accumulator connected to the pressure fluid circuit via a first pressure fluid accumulator conduit. The first pressure fluid accumulator conduit includes a pump configured to pump pressure fluid from the pressure fluid circuit to the pressure fluid accumulator to lower the pressure levels in the pressure fluid circuit, and in that the pressure fluid handling system includes a controllable component for returning the pressure fluid from the pressure fluid accumulator to the pressure fluid circuit to increase the pressure levels in the pressure fluid circuit.

Abstract: A combustion engine includes a cylinder head including a controllable engine valve configured to open/close a combustion chamber in the combustion engine, a valve actuator operatively connected with and configured to displace the engine valve, and a closed pressure fluid circuit, wherein the valve actuator is arranged in the closed pressure fluid circuit. The combustion engine includes a cylinder head chamber that is included in the closed pressure fluid circuit and that is delimited by the cylinder head and a cylinder head mantle, by the valve actuator including a pneumatic pressure fluid circuit with an outlet opening that is in fluid communication with the cylinder head chamber, and by the cylinder head chamber including a hydraulic liquid drainage valve, wherein a drainage conduit stretches from the hydraulic liquid drainage valve to a hydraulic liquid vessel of the combustion engine for draining hydraulic liquid accumulated in the cylinder head chamber.

Abstract: An actuator unit of a sliding cam system includes an actuator pin for moving sliding cam units into different axial positions using at least one sliding groove on the circumference of the sliding cam units, which interacts with the actuator pin and which has at least one ejection ramp, the sliding cam system including an electromagnet unit, the actuator pins being loaded in the direction of the sliding cam unit by actuating springs, slidingly guided in a housing, the actuator pins being operatively connected to latching elements are guided in a shifting gate, spring-loaded and actuatable by the electromagnet unit, a return-stroke spring of the shifting gate being supported on the housing and loading the shifting gate in the insertion direction of the actuator pins, and the force of the return stroke spring is greater than the force of the actuating spring or springs.

Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is provided with a system for the variable actuation of the intake valves, and such system is used to vary the amount of air taken in by each cylinder so as to reduce to the minimum or entirely eliminate the differences in the torque produced by the various cylinders and hence limit the irregularities in the rotation speed of the engine shaft.

Abstract: A method of supplying air to an air spring biasing one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine to a closed position is disclosed. The method includes: driving an air compressor with a motor prior to starting of the internal combustion engine, the air compressor fluidly communicating with the air spring to supply air to the air spring; determining that a predetermined condition has been reached; starting the engine once the predetermined condition has been reached; and driving the air compressor with a rotating shaft of the engine once the engine has started.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a working cylinder (2) including an inlet valve (6) and an adherent pneumatic inlet valve actuator (8), an outlet valve (7) and an adherent pneumatic outlet valve actuator (9), and a working piston (4), a compressor cylinder (3) including an inlet valve (10), an outlet valve (11), and a compressor piston (5) operated by the working piston (4), a compressed-air tank (14) connected to the compressor cylinder (3) via a first compressed-air conduit (15), and a second compressed-air conduit (16) that extends from the first compressed-air conduit (15), the first inlet valve actuator (8) and the outlet valve actuator (9) of the working cylinder (2) being connected to the second compressed-air conduit (16).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to providing an air supply for components associated with an engine. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for using compressed air generated by a split-cycle engine to power components such as valves or air springs associated with the split-cycle engine.

Abstract: A method for calibrating pneumatic actuators comprising a containment structure (2) in which a diaphragm (4) is mounted which delimits a variable-volume chamber (5) whose internal pressure may be varied, and a rigid rod (8) able to slide through the containment structure (2) and connected to the diaphragm (4). At least one connecting head (11) can be mounted on an external second end (10) of the rigid rod (8) for connecting to an element to be controlled, such as a crank of a turbo-compressor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor is operatively connected to a rotating shaft of the engine to be selectively driven thereby. A motor is operatively connected to the air compressor to selectively drive the air compressor. A method of supplying air to the air spring of the above engine is also disclosed. A method of supplying air to an air spring of an engine having both a mechanical and an electrical air compressor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressed air supply system (11, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 41) for operating a pneumatic system (90, 901, 902), in particular a pneumatic suspension of a vehicle, comprising: a compressed air supply (1); a first pneumatic connection between the compressed air supply (1) and the pneumatic system (90, 901, 902), comprising an air desiccator (61), throttle means (62) and at least one controllable separation valve (63, 63?, 63?, 63??, 63IV, 163); a second pneumatic connection which is pneumatically connected to the first pneumatic connection and to a ventilation connection (3) for connecting to the surroundings and which has at least one controllable ventilation valve (73, 73?, 73?, 73??, 73IV, 173).

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.

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.

Abstract: A poppet valve has a valve head and a valve stem. A piston is capable of reciprocating motion relative to a housing along a reciprocation axis. The piston has a valve-receiving portion for receiving therein an end portion of the valve stem. A cotter secures the valve stem to the piston. A cap is disposed around the valve-receiving portion. A cap lateral portion extends away from the cap end portion in the direction of the valve head. The valve-receiving portion is held between the cap end portion and the cap lateral portion in a direction parallel to the reciprocation axis. At least part of the cap lateral portion is angled toward the reciprocation axis. The part of the cap lateral portion is closer to the reciprocation axis than at least part of the valve-receiving portion. A method of assembling a valve assembly is also described.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor is disposed inside the cylinder head and fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor being disposed between a crankshaft and a cylinder head cover in a direction parallel to a cylinder axis is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve variable force valve springs for controlling the motion of an engine valve. The force exerted by the valve spring can be adjusted by altering the pressure at which a fluid is supplied to a fluid chamber thereof, by altering the volume of the fluid chamber, and/or by changing the aggregate surface area over which fluid pressure is coupled to the engine valve. Associated fluid control systems are also disclosed herein, as are various methods for adjusting the force of a valve spring based on a variety of engine parameters, such as engine speed, engine load, and/or a combination thereof.

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).

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a variable valve timing mechanism. The valve timing control apparatus sets target valve timing based on an operational state of the engine. The valve timing control apparatus detects actual valve timing. The valve timing control apparatus computes a control amount based on a deviation between the target valve timing and the actual valve timing, and based on a hold control amount. The valve timing control apparatus determines whether a learning execution condition for executing a learning operation of the hold control amount is satisfied based on a change direction of the detected actual valve timing. The valve timing control apparatus executes the learning operation when the learning execution condition is satisfied.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle having a valve-operating mechanism for actuating a valve which opens and closes a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The valve-operating mechanism includes a biasing means for biasing the valve toward a valve closing direction and a drive means for driving the valve toward the valve opening direction against the biasing means, the biasing means is a gas spring formed by filling a gas spring chamber with compressible gas, and a compressed-gas container for supplying the compressible gas is connected to the gas spring chamber, and the compressed-gas container is disposed in an outermost line of body components of the motorcycle except for the compressed-gas container when the motorcycle is viewed from above.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor is disposed inside the cylinder head and fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor being disposed between a crankshaft and a cylinder head cover in a direction parallel to a cylinder axis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve. A first spring biases the at least one intake valve to a closed position. A second spring biases the at least one exhaust valve to a closed position. At least one of the first and second springs is an air spring. An air compressor fluidly communicates with the air spring to supply air to the air spring. The air compressor is operatively connected to a rotating shaft of the engine to be selectively driven thereby. A motor is operatively connected to the air compressor to selectively drive the air compressor. A method of supplying air to the air spring of the above engine is also disclosed. A method of supplying air to an air spring of an engine having both a mechanical and an electrical air compressor is also disclosed.

Abstract: Actuators, and corresponding methods and systems for controlling such actuators, provide independent valve control with a large initial or opening force.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator, connected to a pressure fluid circuit (6) that has a high pressure side and a low pressure side, an actuator cylinder (8, 9), an actuator piston (10, 11) provided in said actuator cylinder (8, 9) and displaceable between a first position and a second position, an actuator chamber (12, 13), delimited by said actuator cylinder (8, 9) and the actuator piston (10, 11), wherein the volume of said actuator chamber decreases upon a displacement of the actuator piston (10, 11) from the second to the first position to the first position, a spring means provided to drive the actuator piston (10, 11) from the second position to the first position, and means (25) provided to maintain or establish a communication between the low pressure side and the actuator chamber (12, 13), during a displacement of the actuator piston (10, 11) from the second position towards the first position, and at the same time to keep the communication between the high pressure side and the actuator chamber (12, 13) interrup

Abstract: In one aspect of the disclosure an internal combustion engine may be provided that may include a combustion chamber and a piston reciprocally moveable in the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber may have an intake port and a dual function port. The dual function port may be connected to an exhaust system and to an intake system. A method may be provided including opening a fluid connection between the intake system and the combustion chamber via the intake port as well as the dual function port during at least a part of an intake stroke of the piston. Instead of, or in addition, the method may include opening a fluid connection between the exhaust system and the combustion chamber via the dual function port during at least a part of the intake stroke of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides a motorcycle having a valve-operating mechanism for actuating a valve which opens and closes a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The valve-operating mechanism includes a biasing means for biasing the valve toward a valve closing direction and a drive means for driving the valve toward the valve opening direction against the biasing means, the biasing means is a gas spring formed by filling a gas spring chamber with compressible gas, and a compressed-gas container for supplying the compressible gas is connected to the gas spring chamber, and the compressed-gas container is disposed in an outermost line of body components of the motorcycle except for the compressed-gas container when the motorcycle is viewed from above.

Abstract: A pressure pulse generator includes a pressure pulse transmitting body displaceably arranged in a chamber divided by the body into a first and a second part, a first spring and a second spring, arranged to displace the body in a first direction and a second direction respectively in the chamber, a first conduit leading between a high pressure source and a first part of the chamber, wherein the pressure fluid in the first part acts on the body for displacing the latter in the second direction, and elements for opening/interrupting a communication between the first part and the high pressure source through the first conduit. The opening/interrupting elements interrupt communication while the body is displaced in the first direction from a predetermined starting position through a triggering of the first spring, and maintain communication while the body is displaced in the second displacement direction back to the starting position, whereby a biasing of the first spring is accomplished.

Abstract: A valve rotating mechanism for exhaust valves, especially of marine diesel engines, which mechanism is braced in a valve housing for the valve stem (1) between an upper and a lower drive element, is linked to the lower drive element via a freewheel device, which transmits rotation of the valve stem (1) during closing movement thereof, and is also braced relative to the upper drive element via a rotary cylinder (15), which brings about rotation of the valve stem (1) through engagement with a fixed support cylinder (13). Therein the rotary cylinder (15) and support cylinder (13) are engaged with one another via a helical gearing, wherein the rotary cylinder (15) is linked to the valve stem (1) via the freewheel device and the support cylinder (13) is fastened on the housing side.

Abstract: A drive piston assembly is provided that is operable to selectively open a poppet valve. The drive piston assembly includes a cartridge defining a generally stepped bore. A drive piston is movable within the generally stepped bore and a boost sleeve is coaxially disposed with respect to the drive piston. A main fluid chamber is at least partially defined by the generally stepped bore, drive piston, and boost sleeve. First and second feedback chambers are at least partially defined by the drive piston and each are disposed at opposite ends of the drive piston. At least one of the drive piston and the boost sleeve is sufficiently configured to move within the generally stepped bore in response to fluid pressure within the main fluid chamber to selectively open the poppet valve. A valve actuator assembly and engine are also provided incorporating the disclosed drive piston assembly.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hydraulically actuating a gas exchange valve using a low-pressure, substantially constant flow fluid source applied to at least one actuator cylinder piston coupled to the gas exchange valve. The actuator piston slides within the actuator cylinder upon application of pressure from the fluid for actuating the gas exchange valve. The pressure is continuously variable and builds upon application to the cylinder piston until the valve unseats. A pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure to provide feedback about the operation of system and to provide variable motion control of the gas exchange valve.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated valve assembly for use as intake and/or exhaust valves on two- or four-stroke internal combustion engines. The assembly includes a valve (100), valve housing (200), and compressed gas distribution and timing mechanisms (FIGS. 5–8). The valve (100) is comprised of a short light weight hollow cylindrical body with a capped lower end and an opened upper end. The valve is further defined by a plurality of ports (104) adjacent to the lower end and a collar (198) encircling the body adjacent the upper end. The valve housing (200) is hollow and tubular having a larger diameter upper section and a smaller diameter lower section in which the valve (100) slides up to close and down to open. The housing (200) further includes hollow channels which direct compressed gas, managed by the distribution and timing mechanism, alternately towards the areas above and below the valve collar at regular intervals to open and close the valve, respectively.

Abstract: A valve spring mechanism is provided which is suitable for use with the inlet or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine, and includes a valve head and a valve stem. The mechanism includes a piston/cylinder arrangement in which the cylinder surrounds a portion of the valve stem to define a chamber. The piston is slidable and sealingly mounted on the valve stem. The mechanism also has force transmitting means for transmitting the force produced on the piston by gas pressure within the chamber to the valve stem, and a spring operating on the piston and the stem of the valve for applying a force to the stem tending to close the valve in the event of failure of chamber gas pressure. The spring is positioned to maintain it in a compressed condition during normal operation of the mechanism as a result of gas pressure within the chamber.

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

Abstract: A device and control method for actuating valves of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine including at least a controlled hydraulic actuator actuating the associated valve that is provided in the form of a cylinder. A mobile piston connected to the valve delimits two opposite hydraulic pressure chambers each supplied with an incompressible fluid and pressure regulated by a control unit such that the pressure prevailing in one of the chambers is alternately higher/lower than that which prevails in the other chamber to actuate the valve. Each pressure chamber of the cylinder is capable of communicating with a corresponding actuating hydraulic pressure source, which includes a pneumatic return mechanism for the fluid.

Abstract: A valve actuator for controlling a valve between an open and a closed disposition includes couplings to a source of fluid under pressure and a reservoir at substantially ambient pressure. A control fluidly coupled to the source of fluid under pressure and to the reservoir for controlling presenting fluid at selected pressure to affect a reciprocatable component, the reciprocatable component being operably coupled to the valve for shifting the valve between the open and the closed disposition. And, positively, hydraulically shifting the valve between the open and the closed disposition. A method of valve actuation is also included.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes at least one rotating, oscillating or reciprocating piston (20, 21) in a cylinder (11, 12). Each piston (20, 21) defines with the cylinder (11, 12) a combustion chamber (35). Each combustion chamber (35) has at least one inlet valve (36) and one exhaust valve (37), and a mechanism (40) to periodically open the inlet and exhaust valves. The valves are closed by a gas spring (80, 82) having a closing force proportional to the speed of the engine.

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

Abstract: A pressure reservoir is used to exert pressure on a hydraulic system. With the hydraulic system, a gas exchange valve, for instance, of an internal combustion engine can be actuated. The pressure reservoir (62) includes a housing (64, 68) and a piston (72) that is prestressed in operation by a device (88, 90). To enable making the pressure reservoir (62) as small as possible, it is proposed that the device (88, 90) which prestresses the piston (72) of the pressure reservoir (62) has a characteristic force-travel curve, in one range of motion of the piston (72), that has a slope which differs from the slope in a different range of motion of the piston (72).

Abstract: A device for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine or gas generator comprises an armature which is operatively connected to the valve stem of a valve member and which is disposed in a chamber between opposed pole faces of a valve closing electromagnet and a valve opening electromagnet. A gas pressure source is connected by a supply line to the chamber. When the electromagnet is energized, it is effective to act on the armature to move the valve member to the closed position. The arrangement is such that reduction of the electromagnetic force exerted on the armature by the electromagnet is effective to enable the gas pressure from the source to move the valve member to the open position. This opening movement of the valve member may be assisted by energizing the opening electromagnet. Movement of the valve member from the open to the closed position may be assisted by a return spring. The valve actuator minimizes the electric power consumption for the electromagnets.

Abstract: The movable valve apparatus includes the movable valve mechanism, the hydraulic pressure control valve, and the controller. The movable valve mechanism changes the opening/closing timing of an air intake or exhaust valve depending on the supplied hydraulic pressure of the working fluid. The hydraulic pressure control valve adjusts the supplied hydraulic pressure depending on the working condition of the spool. The controller controls the solenoid that drives the spool. When it is determined that the spool is in the returning state, in which the spool starts moving toward the initial position, the foreign object removal operation is executed. During the foreign removal operation, the spool temporarily reciprocates in order to remove foreign objects in the hydraulic pressure control valve.

Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower including an elongate body having side walls defining coaxially disposed shaft orifices, a pallet end and a socket end interconnecting with the side walls to define a slider arm aperture, and a latch channel. The socket end is mountable to an hydraulic lash adjuster, and the pallet end is matable with a valve stem. A slider arm for engaging a high-lift cam lobe is disposed in the slider arm aperture and has a first end pivotably mounted to the pallet end of the body and the second end forming a slider tip for engaging an activation/deactivation latch. The latch is slidably disposed in the latch channel, and the latch has a nose section for selectively engaging the slider tip. A spool-shaped roller having first and second roller elements fixedly attached to the shaft is rotatably disposed in the shaft orifices, the roller being adapted to follow the surface motion of low-lift cam lobes.

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

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

Abstract: In many cases, intake and/or exhaust valves and fuel injector plungers are desirably placed in a predetermined condition prior to starting the engine. In hydraulic systems, leakage and thermal contraction can lead to pressure loss during a period of non-operation, thereby allowing the components to move away from the predetermined condition. Similar concerns arise with the use of residual electromagnetic force, which can decay over time. In the case of intake/exhaust valves, for example, such undesired movement can led to a potential collision between the valves and the engine piston during starting. This invention provides a system and method for presetting the engine and/or the components thereof to the predetermined condition just prior to starting the engine.