Abstract: A valve train is disclosed for an internal combustion engine having a block, a camshaft in the block, and at least two push rods actuated by the camshaft. The valve train comprises first and second rockers, and three valves. The first rocker is actuated by one of the push rods, and the second rocker is actuated by another of the push rods. A first valve is associated with a cylinder of the engine and actuated by the first rocker. A second valve is associated with the cylinder and actuated by the first rocker, and a third valve is associated with the cylinder and actuated by the second rocker.

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

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including cylinders with inlet and outlet valves, a first inlet valve drive having a first degree of adjustability for operating an inlet valve of at least one cylinder and a second inlet valve drive having a second degree of adjustability for operating an inlet valve of the at least one cylinder, the engine includes other cylinders having inlet valves with inlet valve drives having only the second degree of adjustability for operating the inlet valves of the other cylinders.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine operating on spark-ignitable fuel, which features at least one operating mode with homogeneous charge and self-ignition, and which includes at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve per cylinder, which can be coupled via a transmission device in at least one operating mode of the engine, has its combustion process be controlled in a simple manner by providing that at least one exhaust valve can be actuated during the intake stroke by means of the transmission device, the transmission device having at least one first mechanical transmission member, and the transmission device being activated by a mechanical actuating device featuring an eccentric element acting on a transmission member.

Abstract: A barrel engine has an engine housing with a first and second end. An elongated power shaft is longitudinally disposed in the engine housing and defines the longitudinal axis of the engine. A plurality of cylinders surround the longitudinal axis, with each having a closed end and an open end. Each cylinder has a central axis. The open ends of the cylinders are directed toward the first end of the housing. An intake system introduces a combustible mixture of air and fuel into each of the cylinders. A track is disposed between the first end of the housing and the open ends of the cylinders such that a portion of the track is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders. The track has a cam surface that longitudinally undulates with respect to the open ends of the cylinders. A portion of the cam surface is disposed generally in alignment with the central axis of each of the cylinders.

Abstract: An engine with an efficient valve actuator is disclosed. The engine employs a first force to hold a valve of the engine open during a normal valve event and a second force to hold the exhaust valve open during an exhaust gas recirculation event. The valve actuator may be operated using pressurized fluid adapted to extend an actuator plunger through a cylinder. The first force may be derived by a mechanically driven actuator, while the second force may be derived from a high pressure rail of the engine. A control valve may be employed to direct either low pressure or high pressure oil to the valve actuator cylinder.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having at least one combustion cylinder that includes a combustion chamber provided with gas-exchange valves, and an electrohydraulic valve control device having valve actuators that actuate the gas-exchange valves. To reduce manufacturing costs and/or the installation space required for the electrohydraulic valve control device, at least two synchronously controlled gas-exchange valves are connected using a coupling element to a common valve actuator, and the connection sites of the gas-exchange valves are flexibly formed on the coupling element.

Abstract: A variable valve actuation (VVA) mechanism includes an output cam having a first output cam lobe and a second output cam lobe. A body portion adjoins and axially separates the first and second output cam lobes. The body portion includes an outer surface. A portion of the outer surface is configured for being pivotally engaged by a cam support bearing.

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

Abstract: An engine with an efficient valve actuator is disclosed. The engine employs a first force to hold a valve of the engine open during a normal valve event and a second force to hold the exhaust valve open during an exhaust gas recirculation event. The valve actuator may be operated using pressurized fluid adapted to extend an actuator plunger through a cylinder. The first force may be derived by a mechanically driven actuator, while the second force may be derived from a high pressure rail of the engine. A control valve may be employed to direct either low pressure or high pressure oil to the valve actuator cylinder.

Abstract: A mechanism for operating one or more valves of a piston device, in particular an intake or exhaust valve of an internal-combustion engine, which valve can move between an open position and a closed position and is provided with associated restoring means for returning the valve to the closed position. The mechanism comprises a hydraulic valve actuator for operating the valve of the piston device, which valve actuator has a variable chamber which is delimited by a piston which can be coupled to the valve, in such a manner that when hydraulic fluid is supplied to the said chamber the valve opens. Furthermore, there are rotatable first and second cams, each having an associated cam follower, the relative angular position of the first cam and the second cam with respect to one another being adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine operating on spark-ignitible fuel, featuring at least one operating mode with homogeneous charge and self-ignition, and comprising at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust valve per cylinder, which intake and exhaust valves may be coupled via a transmission device in at least one operating mode of the engine. The combustion process may be controlled in a simple manner by providing that at least one exhaust valve can be actuated during the intake stroke by means of the transmission device, said transmission device having at least one first mechanical transmission member, and that the transmission device can be activated by a mechanical actuating device, said actuating device featuring an eccentric element acting on a transmission member.

Abstract: A valvetrain with a single camshaft is disclosed. The valvetrain has one or more intake valves, and one or more exhaust valves per cylinder of an engine block. The valvetrain comprises a cylinder head. The valve head of each intake valve is removably seated within a corresponding intake valve seat of the cylinder head, and the stem of each intake valve is movably positioned within the cylinder head. The valve head of each exhaust valve is removably seated within a corresponding exhaust valve seat of the cylinder head, and the stem of each exhaust valve is movably positioned with the cylinder head. For each cylinder, an intake crosshead and an exhaust crosshead are pivotally mounted upon the cylinder head. Each intake crosshead is operatively mounted upon the stem top of a corresponding intake valve. Each exhaust crosshead is operatively mounted upon the stem top of a corresponding exhaust valve. For each cylinder, an intake rocker arm and an exhaust rocker arm are pivotally coupled to the cylinder head.

Abstract: A Variable valve lift mechanism that minimizes the number of components and also which permits a greater latitude of valve lift adjustment including the possibility of no valve lift under some running conditions. This is done without interference with other components of the engine and thus permits a compact engine assembly.

Abstract: A low speed cam is disposed on a cam shaft. A low speed sub-rocker arm actuated by the low speed cam is pivotally connected to a main rocker arm. A connecting member is supported by the main rocker arm. The connecting member has both a first condition wherein the sub-rocker arm and the main rocker arm are fixed to each other to constitute a single unit and a second condition wherein the sub-rocker arm and the main rocker arm are disengaged from each other. A hydraulically actuating mechanism has a hydraulic work chamber. The mechanism induces the first condition of the connecting member upon discharge of hydraulic fluid from the work chamber and induces the second condition upon feeding of hydraulic fluid to the work chamber. A control unit causes the hydraulically actuating mechanism to induce the first condition of the connecting member when the engine stops.

Abstract: An actuator for adjusting a clearance between an end of a valve and an end of the actuator. The actuator has a piston therein having a central bore of which a portion is threaded. The piston has an end and has a flat defined near the end. The actuator has a stem member positioned therein. The stem member has a central portion which is threadedly positioned within the threaded portion of the central bore. The stem member defines a first end and a second end, and a threaded portion is located near the second end. The first end of the stem member and the end of the piston has a predetermined length which is adjustable. The predetermined length is adjusted by threadedly rotating the stem member relative to the piston. A locking device fixes the predetermined length during operation of the engine.

Abstract: A valvetrain with a single camshaft is disclosed. The valvetrain has one or more intake valves, and one or more exhaust valves per cylinder of an engine block. The valvetrain comprises a cylinder head. The valve head of each intake valve is removably seated within a corresponding intake valve seat of the cylinder head, and the stem of each intake valve is movably positioned within the cylinder head. The valve head of each exhaust valve is removably seated within a corresponding exhaust valve seat of the cylinder head, and the stem of each exhaust valve is movably positioned with the cylinder head. For each cylinder, an intake crosshead and an exhaust crosshead are pivotally mounted upon the cylinder head. Each intake crosshead is operatively mounted upon the stem top of a corresponding intake valve. Each exhaust crosshead is operatively mounted upon the stem top of a corresponding exhaust valve. For each cylinder, an intake rocker arm and an exhaust rocker arm are pivotally coupled to the cylinder head.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a pair of suction ports are formed on left and right sides of the rear of the cylinder head with respect to the vehicle body. A pair of exhaust ports is formed on left and right sides on the front side of the cylinder head. Suction poppet valves and exhaust poppet valves for opening and closing the suction ports and the exhaust ports are slidably fitted in guide tubes, respectively. In addition, a valve gear includes a camshaft and a rocker arm pivotally supported on a rocker arm shaft. The rocker arm is formed with a bifurcated end, which crosses an ignition plug on the exhaust poppet valve side. The suction poppet valves are directly driven to open and close by the camshaft.

Abstract: An improved variable valve timing mechanism that is operative to provide an arrangement for varying both the valve lift and lift curve in response to dynamic running conditions. A variable valve timing mechanism is also incorporated in the cam drive so as to further widen the range of adjustment of valve timing.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine valve roller rocker arm system designed to manipulate horsepower output of an equipped engine. Each roller rocker arm system is formed of two arm members pivotally mounted to a common shaft and are joined together by a pin through roller bearings. As a conventional camshaft rotates, it contacts the roller bearing causing a conventional valve to attain an open valve position through the arm assemblies.

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism includes a tappet assembly which comprises a center tappet, a pair of side tappets between which the center tappet is interposed so as to move relatively to the side tappets, and a locking/unlocking mechanism operative to mechanically couple the center tappet to both of the side tappets and to uncouple the center tappet from both of the side tappets so as to selectively transmit rotation of a high lift center cam and low lift side cams to twin valves such as twin intake valves and twin exhaust valves per cylinder. Locking/unlocking of the center tappet and each side tappet is performed in a position which is in a vertical plane including a center axis of each side tappet and intersecting perpendicularly to an axial direction of a camshaft and is offset from the center axis of the side tappet.

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, pivoting bridge, an adjustable tappet, and a valve stem. The pivoting bridge may include a first end for contacting the adjustable tappet, a second end for contacting the valve stem and a pivot point between the first and second ends for contacting the valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the adjustable tappet relative to the pivoting bridge. Variation of the adjustable tappet position may be carried out by placing the adjustable tappet in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the adjustable tappet position.

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism for a DOHC engine which leaves sufficient installation space for a functional part (16) to be located at a central portion of each of cylinder bores (15) even if each cylinder bore is relatively small. When viewed from the top, two intake valves (1) are linearly arranged in parallel to the longitudinal center line of the engine and two exhaust valves (2) are linearly arranged on the opposite side. The center line (8) of an intake camshaft (4) is offset from the mutual center line of the linearly arranged intake valves in a transverse direction of the engine to an outside direction of the associated cylinder bore such that the intake camshaft center line (8) is apart from the longitudinal center line of the engine and the exhaust camshaft center line (8) is offset in the opposite transverse direction from the mutual center line (6) of the linearly arranged exhaust valves (2), with the parallel relationship between the intake and exhaust camshafts being maintained.

Abstract: A rocker arm (10) that reduces frictional forces between a cam (86) and the rocker arm (10) is disclosed. The rocker arm (10) includes a pair of spaced side members (20) having a valve portion (14), a middle portion (16), and a pivot portion (12). The side members (20) of rocker arm (10) each define a downwardly extending tappet hole (49) located generally centrally within the valve portion (14). The middle portion (16) of each side member (20) defines a bearing hole (68), and each of the pivot portions (12) defines a pivot hole (66). A web (70) extends between side members (20) at a valve portion (14) and at the pivot portion (12), defining a recess (85) therebetween at about the middle portion (16). A pin bearing is located within the bearing holes (68) and passes through the recess (85). An annular striking member (80) is located within the recess (85) and rotatably engages the pin bearing (69). During operation, a cam (86) is placed in operative contact with striking member (80).

Abstract: A valve drive arrangement for use in an engine having a pair of intake valves and a pair of exhaust valves for each cylinder. Each pair of intake valves are coupled to each other by a valve bridge and forced downwards simultaneously by a single rocker arm, and each pair of exhaust valves are coupled to each other by another valve bridge and forced downwards simultaneously by another single rocker arm. A contact member is rotatably provided on an upper surface of each valve bridge such that it contacts the associated rocker arm. The press center of the rocker arm to the associated contact member and center lines of the associated valves lie in a single plane. A rotation center of the associated contact member is offset from this single plane.

Abstract: A valve module that can be assembled to an internal combustion engine chamber. The valve module may have a first intake valve, a second intake valve, a third intake valve, a first exhaust valve and a second exhaust valve. The valves may be driven to an open position by hydraulically driven first pins. The exhaust valves may further have hydraulically driven second pins. The additional pins may increase the hydraulic forces which allow the exhaust valves to be opened even when there is a large pressure in the combustion chamber. The first pins of the exhaust valves may be controlled by a microprocessor controlled first control valve. The second pins may be controlled by a microprocessor controlled second control valve. The separate control valves and additional hydraulic force of the second pins may allow the microprocessor to open the exhaust valves at any point during a cycle of a combustion engine.

Abstract: A multi-valve internal combustion engine having a plurality of valves having skewed axes that are operated by cam lobes of a single cam shaft. The cam shaft operates the valves through rocker arms each of which are pivoted independently about axes that are skewed relative to the cam shaft axis so as to minimize bending stresses on the valve during its actuation. This also avoids scuffing between the rocker and the valve stem. At the same time, good contact is maintained between the cam lobe and the follower surface by machining the cam lobe so that it will have a slight concavity at least in its tip portion so as to ensure constant line contact with the follower.