Abstract: An internal combustion engine may include at least one cylinder and at least one hollow-heat valve. The at least one hollow-head valve may include a valve shaft and a valve head, and may be guided in a valve shaft guide. The engine may also include at least one valve seat ring on which the valve head sealingly lies when the at least one hollow-head valve is closed. The engine may additionally include a valve shaft seal with at least two seal lips and oil disposed between the valve shaft and the valve shaft guide. The at least one valve seat ring may be composed of a sintered metal including infiltrated copper. The valve shaft may include one of a chromium-containing coating and a boron carbide-containing coating.

Abstract: An engine valve lifter assembly comprises a lifter body, a plunger assembly, and a spring. The lifter body comprises an oil control portion comprising an exterior surface, oil ports, and an interior oil chamber. A plunger interface end comprises an interior plunger chamber and a second spring seat. Selectively reciprocating plunger assembly comprises a piston end coupled to reciprocate in the oil chamber and a cam input end comprising a spring seat. A spring is biased between the spring seat and the second spring seat. The spring is configured to push the cam input end away from the plunger chamber. A sleeve is coupled around the oil control portion of the lifter body, and the sleeve is slidable between a lower position and an upper position to selectively block and unblock the oil ports.

Abstract: A valve train assembly configured to selectively open and close intake and exhaust valves associated with cylinders of an internal combustion engine comprises an intake rocker arm assembly, an intake cam assembly, a first axial shifting cam assembly and a second axial shifting cam assembly. The intake rocker arm assembly can have a plurality of intake rocker arms. The intake cam assembly can be associated with each of the cylinders and can have three distinct cam profiles including a first cam profile, a second cam profile and a third cam profile. The first axial shifting cam assembly can operate independently from the second axial shifting cam assembly to provide three distinct valve lift profiles on the first grouping of cylinders and three distinct valve lift profiles on the second grouping of cylinders.

Abstract: A hydraulic support element for a variable valve train of an internal combustion engine, which has a cylindrical pot-shaped housing and a hollow cylindrical piston guided for movement in this housing and whose inner end is supported by a compression spring on the base wall of the housing. The outer end extends past the housing and is formed as a hemispherical bearing head. The interior is divided into an inner supply pressure space and an outer switching pressure space that are connected by inlet openings in the cylindrical side walls of the housing and the piston with a cylinder head side supply pressure line and by a non-return valve to a high-pressure space enclosed between the inner end of the piston and the base wall of the housing, or to a cylinder head side switching pressure line and also by a central hole formed in the bearing head to a rocker arm side switching pressure channel.

Abstract: A mechanical system forming one of a cam follower or a rocker arm, the mechanical system comprising: a support element, a pin extending between two opposite ends along a first axis and supported by the support element, and a roller mounted on pin, movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis and adapted to roll on a cam. The support element includes a bearing body adapted to receive pin, and an additional retaining member blocking the translation of pin back and forth, along first axis.

Abstract: Air is restrained from flowing into a high pressure chamber while the number of parts is reduced. A plunger is slidably fitted into a body; a reservoir is formed in the plunger with a communication hole formed in a head section thereof to allow communication between an inside and an outside; a high pressure chamber is formed in the body between the body and the plunger bottom section; an oil supply hole is formed in a plunger circumferential wall section; a return spring is interposed between the body and the plunger; a valve mechanism is disposed on the plunger bottom section; the reservoir is set such that a space continuously extends; and the oil supply hole is oriented outward in the radial direction as compared to an axis of the plunger.

Abstract: A lash compensator for a valve train component of an internal combustion engine is provided that includes an end-cap arranged within a reverse-spring control valve assembly of an axially moveable piston. The piston has a first reservoir and an inner radial wall configured with a through-aperture. The reverse-spring control valve assembly has a control valve housing, a bias spring, an end-cap, and a closing body. The end-cap is configured with a cupped end; an inner side of the cupped end receives a second lower end of the bias spring, and an outer side of the cupped end engages an upper portion of the closing body. The end-cap minimizes or eliminates the variation in flow resistance caused by a variation in end-coil geometry of the second lower end of the bias spring.

Abstract: A cam follower is provided having a tappet that includes a cylindrical outer surface centered on a longitudinal axis and adapted to slide in a housing surrounding the tappet, a pin extending between two opposite ends along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a roller element movable in rotation relative to the pin around the transverse axis and adapted to roll on a cam, and lubrication channels for lubricating the pin and the roller. The cam follower further provides a support element mounted in the tappet and supporting the pin, and the lubrication channels include at least one pair of consecutive channels formed through the tappet and the support element. The invention also provides an injection pump and a valve actuator for a motor vehicle, each having such a cam follower. The invention finally provides a method for manufacturing such a cam follower.

Abstract: A mechanical system, comprising a support element, a pin extending along a first axis and comprising two opposite ends, each adapted to be fitted in the support element for radial retention of the pin relative to the first axis, and a roller element movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis. The mechanical system includes two ribs resting on either side of the ends for axial retention of the pin along the first axis. The mechanical system can be integrated into either an injection pump or a valve actuator.

Abstract: An inlet valve for a fluid pump includes a movably supported tappet for closing a fluid inlet opening and an actuator for moving the tappet, wherein the actuator and the tappet are formed separately from each other and can be coupled to one another by a coupling element for transmitting an actuator driving force to the tappet. An assembly method for such an inlet valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A switchable support element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine is disclosed, including a housing (4), in the bore of which (5) an axially displaceable inner element (7) is located, wherein two coupling slides (9) run in a radial bore (8) of the inner element (7) and can be brought into engagement with a driver surface of the housing (4) in an axially extended position, wherein the extended position is limited by a height stop (10), which is formed of a circlip assembly, which runs peripherally on an annular shoulder (13) of the inner element (7) and which, in the event of contact, lies radially externally above the upper annular end (14) thereof in abutment against a lower annular edge (15) of an annular groove (16) of the housing (4) near the upper edge thereof (17), and wherein an outer casing (11) of the housing is enclosed by a rotationally fixed ring as an outer anti-twist mechanism (12) with an offset bore (18).

Abstract: A valve lifter assembly for an engine may include a valve lifter body, a roller pin mounted in the valve lifter body and having a crowned barrel portion, and a substantially cylindrical roller mounted about the crowned barrel portion of the roller pin. The roller may have a crowned outer surface with a cylindrical center portion having a constant outer diameter equal to a roller maximum outer diameter, and oppositely disposed variable outer diameter outer portions extending outwardly from either side of the cylindrical center portion toward corresponding roller ends of the roller with a roller outer diameter decreasing as the variable outer diameter outer portions extend outwardly from the cylindrical center portion. The valve lifter assembly may further include a clip having engagement surfaces that are machined to have complimentary shapes to corresponding engagement surfaces of the valve lifter body.

Abstract: A roller lifter (1) having an improved oil injection port (12) and oil supply groove (8) that is separated from an oil supply band area (7) and the engine oil supply gallery where debris commonly travels, thereby preventing the introduction of debris into the oil injection port and possible clogging of the oil injection port. The oil supply groove is angled to allow for oil to be easily collected by the oil supply groove.

Abstract: A mechanical system, forming a cam follower or a rocker arm, the mechanical system comprising: a support element; a pin extending between two opposite ends along a first axis and supported by the support element; and a roller movable in rotation relative to the pin around the first axis and adapted to roll on a cam. The support element includes an inner cavity in which the roller is at least partially arranged and which is adapted to contain an oil bath for lubricating the roller. Examples of applications for the mechanical system include a follower device, an injection pump or a valve actuator.

Abstract: A dual feed hydraulic lash adjuster includes a plunger assembly slidingly disposed in a lash adjuster body and having an end adapted to cooperate with a valve actuating mechanism, the plunger assembly forming a low-pressure first chamber and a high-pressure second chamber with the body, the plunger assembly having a first aperture fluidly communicating with the first chamber, a passageway fluidly communicating with the first chamber, and a second aperture fluidly communicating with the passageway, and a separate fluid pressure separator disposed in the plunger assembly between the first aperture and the second aperture to prevent passage of hydraulic fluid between the first chamber and the passageway, wherein a passage is provided through the fluid pressure separator to provide for evacuation of air from the lash adjuster.

Abstract: A roller lifter or hydraulic roller lifter, including a lifter body, a roller, axle, internal piston assembly and a lubrication guide depression at a lower wall of the lifter body to direct lubricant to the roller and roller axle.

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.

Abstract: An oil communication passage (39b) is formed so as to run through a wall portion (39) separating an oil collector (41) and an oil drop hole (38) formed in an engine cylinder head (14), and oil that has collected in the oil collector (41) can therefore be guided to the oil drop hole (38) via the oil communication passage (39b). An oil supply passage (39c) and a retaining hole (39a) for retaining a hydraulic tappet (22), which is operated by oil supplied from the oil supply passage (39c), are formed in the wall portion (39) of the cylinder head (14), and the oil supply passage (39c) and the oil communication passage (39b) communicate with each other via the retaining hole (39a); therefore, even if part of the oil supplied from the oil supply passage (39c) to the hydraulic tappet (22) leaks into the retaining hole (39a), the oil can be discharged by utilizing the oil communication passage (39b).

Abstract: A method of purging air from an oil passage in communication with a lifter assembly in an engine assembly may include isolating the oil passage from a pressurized oil source while the lifter assembly is engaged with a base region of a cam lobe to operate the first lifter assembly in the activated mode. The pressurized oil may be provided to the lifter assembly via the oil passage after the isolating when the lifter assembly is engaged with a lift region of the cam lobe. The lifter assembly may be maintained in the activated mode after the providing. Air may be purged from the oil passage based on the pressurized oil provided to the oil passage.

Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an outer body connected with a valve for opening and closing the valve, an inner body that is reciprocally disposed within the outer body and contacts a first input cam configured to an input shaft, a lost motion spring disposed between the outer body and the inner body, a connecting portion selectively connecting the outer body and the inner body, a hydraulic pressure supplying portion supplying hydraulic pressure to the connecting portion, and a lubrication circuit supplying lubricant to a contacting portion of the first input cam and the inner body.

Abstract: An upper surface of a head part of a valve lifter has a predetermined turn back portion at which, with a valuable valve control device kept controlled to induce a maximum lift of an engine valve, a swing stroke of a rounded cam surface of a swing cam relative to the upper surface of the head part changes a traveling direction from a radially outward direction for opening the engine valve to a radially inward direction for closing the engine valve. An inlet end part of an oil hole formed in the head part is placed at a radially inside position of the upper surface other than a position where side edges of the rounded cam surface of the swing cam are in contact with the inlet end part of the oil hole when the rounded cam surface is placed in the vicinity of the turn back portion.

Abstract: The invention proposes a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprising a tappet (7) and a tappet pushrod (1) that is actuated by said tappet (7), said tappet pushrod (1) being at least partly hollow and comprising on one end (3), a first support (4) for an at least indirectly contacting pressure piston (5) of a hydraulic lash adjuster (6) of said tappet (7) that follows a periodic driving element, typically a cam. A second support (9) for a follower member (2), typically a rocker arm, is arranged on a further end (8) of the tappet pushrod (1). The first support (4) comprises a passage (10) for hydraulic medium that can be routed out of the pressure piston (5) during operation of the internal combustion engine into an interior (11) of the tappet pushrod (1), wherein a pipette means (12) is installed in the tappet pushrod (1) for retaining a hydraulic medium column during a standstill of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention proposes a valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine comprising a tappet (7) and a tappet pushrod (1) that is actuated by said tappet (7), said tappet pushrod (1) being at least partly hollow and comprising on one end (3), a first support (4) for a pressure piston (5) of a hydraulic lash adjuster (6) of said tappet (7) that follows a periodic driving element such as a cam. A second support (9) for a follower member (2) such as a rocker arm is arranged on a further end (8) of the tappet pushrod (1). The first support (4) comprises a passage (10) for hydraulic medium that can be routed out of the pressure piston (5) during operation of the internal combustion engine into an interior (11) of the tappet pushrod (1), a one-way valve means (12) being installed in the tappet pushrod (1) for retaining a hydraulic medium column during a standstill of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A valve system lifter for combustion engines includes a hard metal face pad connected to a lower-grade metal lifter body. The connecting material is one or more materials that are different from both the lifter body and the face pad. Preferably, the connecting material is a silver- and copper-containing material, that may take the form of a wafer with silver or silver alloy layered over a copper alloy core. The preferred body includes one or more ferrous compounds, and the preferred face includes tungsten carbide. The resulting lifter is resistant to the cracking, breakage, and wear that plague conventional lifters, due to the harsh temperature and impact environment of the lifter. The resulting lifter may be used to reduce the need for change-out and down-time in many engines.

Abstract: Valve train with hydraulic lash adjustment in the entire timing train, in which oil is delivered from the oil supply space of the hydraulic valve-lash adjuster (HLA) to the valve rocker arm via a hollow push rod, a choke limiting the oil discharge, the choke being designed in such a way that it seals off the push rod bore at the top when the oil pressure drops, that is to say when the engine is shut off, so that the oil is retained in the push rod bore (12) until—after the engine is started—the choke body (15, 22) opens up the discharge opening again.

Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter which includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical outer surface and an inner wall, the inner wall defining at least one annular pin chamber therein. The outer surface defining at least one annular groove in fluid communication with a high-pressure oil gallery of an engine, the lifter body having a lower end configured for engaging cam of the engine.

Abstract: An intake valve for a combustion engine having an oil reservoir and adapted for combusting fuel is disclosed. The intake valve includes a valve stem and a valve guide arranged proximate the valve stem. The valve guide and valve stem define a first clearance dimension and a second clearance dimension between an inner surface of the valve guide and an outer surface of the valve stem, wherein the second clearance dimension is greater than the first clearance dimension. The second clearance dimension is sized to accept a volume of oil quantified to dissolve high boiling fraction from the fuel to lessen the accumulation of high boiling fraction between the valve stem and the valve guide.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a valve lifter for use in an internal combustion engine. The valve lifter comprises a body adapted to be reciprocally slidable within a valve lifter bore of an engine. The valve lifter includes a rotably mounted cam roller engaging the cam lobe of a cam-shaft where the cam lobe operates to drive the valve lifter body towards a valve open position. The valve lifter may also include an auxiliary roller rotatably mounted in the valve lifter body and engaging the cam roller where the force from the cam lobe is transferred to the lifter body through both the cam roller and auxiliary roller. The present invention includes a method of making a valve lifter by creating grooves in the walls of the recess to aid in the lubrication of the rollers.

Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter which includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical outer surface and an inner wall, the inner wall defining at least one annular pin chamber therein. The outer surface defining at least one annular groove in fluid communication with a high-pressure oil gallery of an engine, the lifter body having a lower end configured for engaging cam of the engine.

Abstract: The improved internal combustion engine of the cam drive axial piston type includes modification to the drive shaft, bearings and other internal elements to facilitate the flow of oil and lubricants to engine parts. The cooling system is modified to allow coolant flow directly to the engine block and head assembly simultaneously and to control flow through the engine and radiator to reduce hot spots. The valves and valve crown structure have been modified for ease of assembly and reliability of the roller valve lifter and valve interface. Use of alternate fuel supply systems which eliminate the need for a valve train are also accommodated. The drive shaft and engine have been modified to allow the mounting of a variety of aircraft propellers using a hub as well as mounting a flywheel for reduced start motor stress.

Abstract: An improved lubrication arrangement for an internal combustion engine of the push tube (59) type. A carrier structure (43) is fixed relative to an upper surface of the cylinder head (31) and includes a fixed fulcrum location (49) for each rocker arm (51). The carrier structure (43) defines a lubrication passage (67,69) providing lubrication fluid to the fixed fulcrum location (49). The engine block (11) and the cylinder head (31) cooperate to define a fluid chamber (81) surrounding the push tube (59). Lubrication fluid flows out adjacent the fixed fulcrum location (49) and flows under the influence of gravity into the fluid chamber (81). The push tube defines a plurality of openings (83) whereby lubrication fluid flows from the fluid chamber (81) into the interior (85) of the push tube.

Abstract: A tappet is used in a valve-operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine. The tappet has a top wall and the upper surface of the top wall is engaged with a cam. The lower surface is engaged on a poppet valve which moves up and down. A downward projection which has a recess for storing lubricating oil is formed in the middle of the lower surface of the top wall of the tappet, thereby lubricating interfaces with the cam or valve to improve frictional or wear resistance.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switchable tappet (1) for the direct transmission of a cam lift to a tappet push rod. A coiled compression spring (15), used as a lost motion spring, for loading the inner element (4) is shifted axially out of a housing (2). For this purpose, the inner element (4) comprises an extension (15a) that projects out of the housing (2) and is surrounded by the coiled compression spring (15). This measure contributes to minimizing the total mass of the switchable tappet (1) because the overall length of the housing (2) is shortened.

Abstract: A tappet is used in a valve-operating mechanism of an internal combustion engine. The tappet has a top wall and the upper surface of the top wall is engaged with a cam. The lower surface is engaged on a poppet valve which moves up and down. A downward projection which has a recess for storing lubricating oil is formed in the middle of the lower surface of the top wall of the tappet, thereby lubricating interfaces with the cam or valve to improve frictional or wear resistance.

Abstract: An adjustment screw assembly (10) having an adjustment screw (11) engaged to a rocker arm (14) of a combustion engine (12) is disclosed. The adjustment screw (11) comprises a lower member (26) and a vertical member (28) wherein the vertical member (28) threads to the rocker arm (14) and the lower member (26) secures pivotally and rotatably to the vertical member (28) forming a pivotal connection (31). The pivotal connection (31) has a male connector (38) which snap fits through an engagement lip portion (46) of a female socket (35) and is thereby held together for combustion engine assembly purposes. Once the adjustment screw (11) is assembled and placed within the combustion engine (12), internal springs (24) of the engine (12) resiliently hold and secure the lower member (26) to the vertical member (28).

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism of retaining a rocker lever ball socket on a rocker lever ball. The mechanism provided is a retaining cap which is adapted to fit over and securely engage to the socket through a tab and groove arrangement and is made of a slightly elastic material and includes a restricted opening sized smaller than the fullest diameter of the rocker lever ball. During assembly, the retaining cap first interlocks with the socket by a tab and groove arrangement, and the lever ball is then pushed through the restricted opening. The restricted opening, being slightly elastic, enlarges to allow passage of the ball and retracts to a size smaller than the ball so that it is retained thereon.

Abstract: A valve lifter apparatus is provided including a valve lifter body with predetermined oil paths for increase lubrication to a rolling member for engaging a lobe of a camshaft. An anti-rotation member for prevent rotation of the valve lifter in the lifter bore of the engine block as the valve lifter reciprocates is also provided. The valve lifter apparatus may be employed in high revolutions per minute engines to decrease valve lifter wear and increase performance.

Abstract: In an engine valve assembly, a valve lifter comprises a cylindrical main body portion and a head wall portion by which an opening of the cylindrical main body portion is enclosed and with which a cam is brought in contact, a valve stem is contacted on an axial center of the valve lifter and is disposed obliquely with respect to a direction of gravity, an exit of a lubricating oil supply bore is opened to an inner space of the head wall portion and is revolved due to a revolution of the valve lifter caused by a friction developed on the basis of a revolution of the cam, and a spring retainer supports an end of a valve spring, the spring retainer being attached onto the valve stem.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster for an engine is provided that includes a resilient seal received over a plunger assembly above a fluid return aperture in the plunger body. The hollow interior of the pushrod which supplies the hydraulic lash adjuster with fluid provides a secondary low pressure fluid cavity which allows the overall length of the hydraulic lash adjuster to be shortened, thus removing mass from the valve train and improving the valve train dynamics. This configuration prevents fluid from escaping the lash adjuster, allowing the lash adjuster to be positioned in the engine over a wider range of operating angles. Supplying fluid from the pushrod also eliminates the need to machine a fluid supply bore into the body of the hydraulic lash adjuster as well as the need to orient the fluid supply bore to a fluid gallery in the engine block.

Abstract: A valve lifter apparatus is provided including a valve lifter body with predetermined oil paths for increase lubrication to a rolling member for engaging a lobe of a camshaft. An anti-rotation member for prevent rotation of the valve lifter in the lifter bore of the engine block as the valve lifter reciprocates is also provided. The valve lifter apparatus may be employed in high revolutions per minute engines to decrease valve lifter wear and increase performance.

Abstract: A piston pump of the roller tappet type for high-pressure fuel delivery in fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, particularly in common rail injection systems. A drive shaft that is supported in the pump housing and has a number of cam-like projections in the circumference direction. At least one tappet that is disposed in a cylinder chamber radially with regard to the drive shaft and in its radially inner end region has a rotatable roller which is supported so that it can roll in the circumference direction against the drive shaft in the region of its projections in order to reduce the wear in the region of the roller bearing. The pump is embodied so that a lubricant supply opening that leads from the circumference of the tappet and feeds into the radially inner tappet end region supporting the roller and at least during a part of the stroke, communicates with a lubricant supply line of the housing, which line feeds into the cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A valve lifter of the present invention includes a tappet body having a forked housing for receiving a cylindrical roller. The cylindrical roller is provided with a bearing assembly and a shaft extending therethrough to operatively couple the roller to the forked housing. To provide lubrication to the cylindrical roller and bearing assembly, the tappet body includes an oil pressure feed groove, oil feed slots, and an oiling channel located on the external surface of the tappet body.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (1) having a plunger assembly (3) including an upper plunger (4) and a lower plunger (5), the plungers being disposed within a body (2) defining a bore (2b,7), and in conventional leakdown plungers, cooperating with the bore to define a nominal diametral clearance. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the plungers and the bore are provided with a reduced diametral clearance, substantially less than the nominal clearance, thus substantially improving the consistency of leakdown times. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the upper plunger element (4) includes a center land (25) which defines a fluid passage (33), such as by having a flat (31) ground into the land, to insure the proper amount of lubrication fluid flowing out of the ball plunger (20).