Abstract: The present invention provides an exemplary rockerless desmodromic valve and adjustable overhead cam system adapted to be installed onto a head for an internal combustion engine which utilizes at least one valve for each intake and exhaust port. The system includes a plurality of valves having a retaining sphere disposed on a distal tip of a stem of each valve; a camshaft; and a split cam lobe assembly assigned to each valve. The split cam lobe assemblies include a left and right cam lobe, a camshaft receiving hole oriented transversely through each cam lobe adapted to slidably receive the camshaft, and a cam following groove halve disposed on the interior side. Furthermore, the interior sides of the left and right cam lobe are adapted to be interfaced together to form a following groove having a generally spherical cross-sectional shape adapted to slidably receive the retaining sphere from a respective one of the valves.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine provide valve actuation that selectively couples an energy storage device to a launching coil to recover energy stored in the magnetic field and valve spring of the launching coil, decouples the energy storage device during a valve opening or closing event to control energy supplied to the catching coil, and couples the energy storage device to the catching coil to transfer energy from the storage device to the catching coil to provide a repeatable soft landing. A nonlinear feedback controller incorporates a feedforward system with an observer to control the rate of energy into the magnetic field of the catching coil while compensating for system losses and work to overcome gas forces within the combustion chamber. Feedback linearization techniques improve stability of the control system.

Abstract: A lobe-less cam for use in a springless poppet valve system is disclosed including a cam shaft having at least one surrounding region, at least one asymmetrical cam groove formed in the at least one surrounding region, and wherein the at least one asymmetrical cam groove has a lift portion and a descent portion.

Abstract: A controller for an electromagnetic actuator comprises a pair of springs acting on opposite directions, and an armature connected to the springs. The armature is held in a neutral position given by the springs when the armature is not activated. The actuator also comprises a pair of electromagnets for driving the armature between two end positions. In response to a release of the armature held in one of the end positions, the controller applies brake to the armature according to a load condition of the armature. In high-load conditions, the valve can surely be opened without additional electric power. In low-load conditions, the armature is prevented from colliding with a yoke of the electromagnet. The application of brake includes over-excitation operation, flywheel operation and suspension of power supply. In the over-excitation operation, voltage is applied to the electromagnet corresponding to one of the end positions from which the armature is released for a first period.

Abstract: A valve lift mechanism, in particular for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, has a driven cam element, a valve control member which can be driven (translational movement or pivot rotation) by the cam element, and a flexible enveloping element, wherein the cam element is rotationally mounted. The enveloping element may be formed of an open loop with two ends connected by a holder of said valve actuator, and it is movably connected to the valve control member in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for controlling the intake valve of an internal combustion engine, which mechanism is capable of consuming less energy, i.e. less oil. Through uniquely designed cam and rocker as well as joining mechanism joining the rocker and the stopper, this mechanism does not incur the spring resistance as opening the intake valve, thus the engine per se does not additionally consume energy, so that the object of reducing oil cost and promoting power output may be achieved.

Abstract: A valve actuator for actuating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine, having a sleeve-shaped positioning piston, which is connected to a valve shaft, having at least two shell-shaped wedge parts, enclosing a shaft end of the valve shaft, on whose radial outer peripheral surface a section shaped like a conical casing is implemented and which are axially connected on their inner side to the shaft end in a form-locked and rotatable manner, the valve actuator having a separate threaded sleeve, which has a threaded connection to the positioning piston or a component connected to the positioning piston and also axially clamps the wedge parts to a conical clamp sleeve via their section shaped like a conical casing.

Abstract: A valve lift mechanism, in particular for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, has a driven cam element, a valve control member which can be driven (translational movement or pivot rotation) by the cam element, and a flexible enveloping element, wherein the cam element is rotationally mounted. The enveloping element may be formed of plates and joint pins, to form a link chain or a roller chain, for instance, and it is movably connected to the valve control member in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve drive, in particular for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, comprising at least one cam element (2) that is located on a driven shaft (1) and at least one lifting valve (10), which has a valve stem (11) and can be displaced by the cam element (2). The cam element (2) is pivotally mounted inside a flexible encapsulation element (4), which is connected to one end of the valve stem (11). The end of the valve stem (11) is guided in the displacement direction of the valve (10).

Abstract: A device for controlling the variation of the opening and closing times and durations of a valve (8) comprises an elastic means (18) acting upon an assembly consisting of a lever device (1) and a valve stem (11) not in the closing direction but in the opening direction of the valve (8). The assembly consisting of the lever device (1) and of the opening cam (5) and the closing cam (6) fulfils a dual function, one for opening the valve (8), the other for moving it back for its closure. The control device, which comprises a device for offsetting the angular position of the cam position relative to the crankshaft, allows to control the opening and closing duration of the valve (8) over a very wide range extending, for opening, from 210° to 350° of crankshaft rotation approximately, by varying the valve opening and closing times independently of each other. It is applicable to a wide range of engines.

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: 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 system and method for increasing force density of a valve actuator particularly suited for use in actuation of intake and/or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine include at least one electromagnet having a coil wound about a core, and an armature fixed to an armature shaft extending axially through the coil and the core, and axially movable relative thereto. The actuator includes a flux generator, such as at least one permanent magnet positioned between the coil and the armature, oriented so that magnetic flux of the generator travels in a direction opposite to magnetic flux produced by the coil through the core during coil energization to reduce saturation of the core, but in the same direction as the magnetic flux produced by the coil through the armature, to increase an attractive force between the armature and the electromagnet, resulting in an actuator with an increased force density.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to reduce holding current and driving current of EMVD's effectively and practically and to provide soft landing of a valve. The invention incorporates a nonlinear mechanical transformer as part of an EMVD system. The nonlinear mechanical transformer is designed for the spring and the inertia in the EMVD to have desirable nonlinear characteristics. With the presently disclosed invention, the holding current and driving current are reduced and soft valve landing is achieved. The nonlinear characteristics of a nonlinear mechanical transformer can be implemented in various ways. The concept of the invention can be applied not only to EMVD's but also to general reciprocating and bi-stable servomechanical systems, where smooth acceleration, soft landing, and small power consumption are desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas exchange valve drive for a valve-controlled combustion engine with a hollow cylindrical rotor (16) to be coupled with a valve member (12) and a stator (18), wherein the rotor (16) comprises permanent-magnetic rings (30) concentrically arranged one above the other, the stator (18) is at least partially constructed of a soft magnetic material and comprises at least one tooth (22) facing towards the rotor (16), the stator (18) comprises a radially inner magnetically conductive area (50) and a radially outer magnetically conductive area (52), with the rings (30) of the rotor (16) being arranged between the inner area (50) and the outer area (52) of the stator (18), and the outer area (52) of the stator (18) in at least one partial section (54) is designed with a C-shaped cross-section and comprises at least one stator coil (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device for controlling the valve tappet of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. In this case, the movement of the valve tappet is generated by contraction/expansion or flexion or stretching of at least one artificial muscle. Furthermore, the artificial muscle can form a gas pressure chamber, by the action of pressure upon which a counterforce can be exerted on the valve tappet. Alternative embodiments of the invention relate particularly to the movement of valve flaps by artificial muscles and to the closing of a valve orifice by an artificial muscle of variable form.

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

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

Abstract: A thermal compensating desmodromic valve actuation system for opening and closing at least one valve of an engine having a cam assemblage and a driving mechanism for reciprocal movement operably connected to said cam assemblage. The cam assemblage includes a cam mechanism for rotational movement and the driving mechanism also being operably connected to the at least one valve of the engine to move the at least one valve between a valve closed position and a valve open position and between the open position and the closed position in a manner directly related to the rotational movement of the cam mechanism. In addition, mechanisms are provided for adjustably controlling the movement of the at least one valve in order to provide a variable amount of opening of the at least one valve in the open position, and for compensating for the thermal conditions of the engine causes valve stem elongation and contraction.

Abstract: A valve lift mechanism, in particular for internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, has a driven cam element, a valve control member which can be driven (translational movement or pivot rotation) by the cam element, and a flexible enveloping element, wherein the cam element is rotationally mounted The enveloping element is movably connected to the valve control member in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cam element.

Abstract: A rotary driven reciprocating mechanism and method permit a rotary motion to be converted into a reciprocating motion that may be used to control the operation of various devices. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the rotary driven reciprocating mechanism may be used for electronic valve timing control in an internal combustion engine. The rotary driven reciprocating mechanism may also be used as a pump valve timing mechanism or for any other purpose in which it is desirable to convert rotary motion into reciprocating motion.

Abstract: A guide member for a valve actuation mechanism, the guide member having a slot or profiled surface defining a valve actuating portion and a non-valve actuating portion. A valve actuating member such as a pin, moves along the slot or profiled surface in a cyclic fashion, wherein the pin is connected to a valve so that when the pin moves along the valve actuating portion, the valve is actuated, and when the pin moves along the non-valve actuating portion, the valve is not actuated. The non-valve actuating portion of the slot or profiled surface is of sufficient length such that the entire range of cyclic motion of the pin is able to be contained within the non-valve actuating portion. To move the range of cyclic motion from one section of the guide path to another, the guide member may be moved relative to the pin. Said arrangement allows a valve to be selectively operated or deactivated without changing the cyclic motion of the pin, but by merely moving the guide member.

Abstract: A electromagnetic valve controller for an internal combustion engine selectively implements a normal operation mode for controlling all of the electromagnetic valves according to normal principles for implementing a four-cycle operation of the internal combustion engine, and a valve-stopped operation mode for controlling the electromagnetic valves according to rules for stopping at least one of the electromagnetic valves. In other words, execution of the valve-stopped operation mode is inhibited for a predetermined period after the internal combustion engine is started. Therefore, a failure of any one of the electromagnetic valves caused by the valve-stopped operation can be appropriately prevented from occurring, without degrading starting response characteristics of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A valve pause mechanism of a four-stroke internal combustion engine includes a valve pause mechanism. A valve lifter fitted between a valve cam and a valve stem of a poppet valve is always pressed in a direction in which the valve lifter contacts the valve cam with a lifter spring. However, a slide pin is fitted into a slide pin holder fitted in the valve lifter so that a slide pin can slide in a direction perpendicular to the valve stem. A stem working face in contact with the valve stem of the poppet valve and a stem through hole that the valve stem pierces are both adjacently formed in the slide pin and a slide pin driving mechanism. The slide pin driving mechanism selectively makes the stem working face and the stem through hole face the valve stem by moving the slide pin. A side of the slide pin at the back of the stem working face is chamfered across the stem through hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for controlling the intake valve of an internal combustion engine, which mechanism is capable of consuming less energy, i.e. less oil. Through uniquely designed cam and rocker as well as joining mechanism joining the rocker and the stopper, this mechanism does not incur the spring resistance as opening the intake valve, thus the engine per se does not additionally consume energy, so that the object of reducing oil cost and promoting power output may be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to reduce holding current and driving current of EMVD's effectively and practically and to provide soft landing of a valve. The invention incorporates a nonlinear mechanical transformer as part of an EMVD system. The nonlinear mechanical transformer is designed for the spring and the inertia in the EMVD to have desirable nonlinear characteristics. With the presently disclosed invention, the holding current and driving current are reduced and soft valve landing is achieved. The nonlinear characteristics of a nonlinear mechanical transformer can be implemented in various ways. The concept of the invention can be applied not only to EMVD's but also to general reciprocating and bi-stable servomechanical systems, where smooth acceleration, soft landing, and small power consumption are desired.

Abstract: A desmodromic drive (30) for imparting reciprocal translation to a valve (32) has a cam ring (52) that rotates about an axis (42), a follower (50) that reciprocates with axial motion as the ring rotates, an endless cam track (69) on the ring, and rollers (76, 78) on the follower that ride along the cam track as the ring rotates. A follower guide (48) guides the follower for axial. Rollers (60, 62) constrain the follower against rotation on the follower guide.

Abstract: A springless poppet valve system is provided. The system includes a poppet valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The system includes an open cam and a close cam. An open rocker arm is provided which engages the open cam. The open rocker arm is operatively connected to the poppet valve so as to move the valve from the closed position to the open position. A close rocker arm is provided which engages the close cam. The close rocker arm is operatively connected to the poppet valve so as to move the valve from the open position to the close position. An open hydraulic lifter is pivotally connected to the open rocker arm. A close hydraulic lifter is pivotally connected to the close rocker arm.

Abstract: A springless poppet valve system is provided. The system includes a poppet valve movable between an open position and a closed position. The system also includes a cam shaft having an open cam and a close cam disposed thereon. An open rocker arm is also provided which has an open roller disposed to engage the open cam. The open rocker arm is operatively connected to the poppet valve so as to move the valve from the closed position to the open position when a high lift portion of the open cam engages the open roller. A close rocker arm is provided which has a close roller disposed to engage the close cam. The close rocker arm is operatively connected to the poppet valve so as to move the valve from the open position to the close position when a high lift portion of the close cam engages the open roller. An open hydraulic lifter is pivotally connected to the open rocker arm and operable to hold the open rocker arm in operative connection with the poppet valve.

Abstract: A variable valve train device for use on an internal combustion engine having a rotary camshaft with adjacent valve-opening and valve-closing lobes. The device is mounted on the engine head and is pivotable about the camshaft to alter the timing and lift of a fuel intake valve. A command link controls the rotational position of the apparatus with respect to the camshaft and is rotationally supported by a cylindrical shell bearing mounted on the engine head coaxial with the camshaft. The shell bearing is supported by an hydraulic lash adjuster or an adjustable ball joint to minimize mechanical lash in the device. The command link includes a ring gear which meshes with a control shaft gear for advancing or retarding the valve timing. The command link pivotably supports a rocker assembly for following the rotary motion of the valve-opening and valve-closing cam lobes. The rocker assembly is linked to an output cam disposed between the camshaft and a roller finger follower for actuating the valve.

Abstract: A rocker assembly has a first arm for following a first or opening camshaft lobe, a second arm for following a second or closing camshaft lobe, and a pivot axis of the rocker arm therebetween. A captive roller follower on the first arm follows the first lobe, and a slider on the second arm follows the second lobe. An eccentric pivot pin for the rocker assembly is rotatable to change the location of the pivot axis of the rocker assembly with respect to the captive roller and the slider, to adjustably set mechanical lash among these components after installation of the rocker arm assembly into a variable valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly has a first arm for following a first or opening camshaft lobe, a second arm for following a second or closing camshaft lobe, and a pivot axis of the rocker arm therebetween. A captive roller follower on the first arm follows the first lobe, and a slider on the second arm follows the second lobe. The position of the slider with respect to the roller and to the pivot axis is mechanically and controllably adjustable to optimally set the mechanical lash among these components after installation of the rocker arm assembly into a variable valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly has a first arm for following a first or opening camshaft lobe, a second arm for following a second or closing camshaft lobe, and a pivot axis of the rocker arm therebetween. A captive roller follower on the first arm follows the first lobe, and a slider on the second arm follows the second lobe. The position of the slider with respect to the roller and to the pivot axis is mechanically and controllably adjustable to optimally set the mechanical lash among these components after installation of the rocker arm assembly into a variable valve mechanism of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An engine valve assembly includes an engine valve (12) connected to an electric motor (30.) The electric motor may be a linear electric motor (34) which includes “rare earth” magnets to infinitely move the engine valve (12) between an open and closed position. Usage of “rare earth” magnets assures that the linear electric motor (34) generates enough force to properly and timely operate the engine valve (12.) The electric motor (30) may alternatively drive a threaded portion (42) of the valve stem (18.) Operation of the electric motor (30) threads the threaded valve stem (18) relative to a threaded support (40) to drive the engine valve (12′) between an open and a closed position.

Abstract: In a conventional internal combustion engine the cylinder wall constrains the connecting rod to a straight up and down motion. The wall of a valve-guide also constrains the valve movement to a straight up and down motion. In ACOFE, two staggered bellows constrain the connecting rod to a semi-straight up and down motion, and therefore eliminate the need for the cylinder. Two other smaller bellows constrain a valve to a semi-straight up and down motion, and therefore eliminate the need for the valve-guide.

Abstract: A variable valve mechanism includes an elongate input shaft having a central axis. An opening cam lobe and a closing cam lobe are disposed upon the input shaft. The opening cam lobe and the closing cam lobe have a predetermined angular relation relative to each other and relative to the central axis. A rocker assembly has a first end and a second end. The rocker assembly carries a roller that engages the opening cam lobe. A first split frame member assembly is pivotally mounted upon the input shaft. The first split frame member assembly is pivotally coupled at a first end thereof to the rocker assembly. The first split frame member assembly is configured for being pivotally coupled at a second end thereof to a control shaft. A first split output cam is pivotally mounted upon the input shaft, and a link pivotally couples the first split output cam to the second end of the rocker assembly.

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism includes opening and closing rotary cams rotatable together about a primary axis and a rocker pivotable about a first pivot axis spaced from the primary axis. The rocker includes first and second rocker arms connected to actuate a valve by oscillating motion about the pivot axis. The first and second rocker arms respectively carry opening and closing cam followers operable by the opening and closing cams for positively oscillating the rocker in either direction. The closing cam follower has a pad engagable with the closing cam and carried by a hydraulic lash control piston slidable in a cylinder of the second rocker arm. The cylinder is connected with a pressure oil supply having a check valve preventing reverse oil flow. A bleed orifice in the pad is sized to allow restricted oil flow from the cylinder to avoid excessive loading of the mechanism. The orifice may be blocked by the cam to limit oil flow during operation of the pad on the cam base circle.

Abstract: A variable valve mechanism includes an elongate input shaft having a central axis. An input cam lobe is disposed on the input shaft and is eccentric relative to the central axis. A guide member is pivotally mounted on the input shaft. A frame is disposed in engagement with the input cam lobe, and is pivotally and slidably coupled to the guide member. A link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame. An output cam is pivotally mounted on the input shaft. The output cam is pivotally coupled to a second end of the link arm. The output cam is configured for oscillating engagement of a roller of a roller finger follower.

Abstract: A desmodromic cam driven variable valve timing (VVT) mechanism includes dual rotary opening and closing cams for actuating a rocker mechanism that drives valve actuating oscillating cams. The dual rotary cam drive positively actuates the rocker mechanism in both valve opening and valve closing directions and thus avoids the need to provide return springs as required in prior cam driven mechanisms to bias the mechanisms toward a valve closed position. A variable ratio slide and slot control lever drive as well as a back force limiting worm drive for the control shaft are combined with the desmodromic cam mechanism to provide additional system advantages.

Abstract: In a valve control, which operates in the normal case purely electromagnetically without return spring and ancillary means of this kind, the unwanted collision between piston base and valve plate (8) is to be reliably avoided. An electromagnetically operating control device (2) for at least one gas-exchange valve in an internal combustion engine has a shaft (safety lock shaft) (18), which is provided with at least one cam (16), the shaft being drivable via the crankshaft at a ratio of 1:1. In the event of a disturbance of the electromagnetic valve actuation, the valve mechanism corresponding to the particular control device (2) can be displaced at least so far that the valve plate (8) has left the collision position thereby reliably avoiding a collision between piston base and valve plate (8). The control device can be used in a reciprocating engine, a piston compressor or a machine having the same operating principle.

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.