Abstract: There is provided a valve actuation linkage mechanism for use in an internal combustion engine that reduces friction wear on the valve assembly during engine operation and can be pre-assembled to reduce manufacturing time and costs. The valve actuation linkage mechanism comprises a rocker arm having a pivot rod cup, a pivot rod, a valve bridge having a pivot rod chamber, and a pivot rod retainer. The pivot rod comprises a pivot rod head, a pivot rod neck, a pivot rod body, and a pivot rod bottom. The valve bridge comprises a middle valve bridge section having the pivot rod chamber and a pair of pivot rod retainer securing bore, a bottom valve bridge section, and a lubricant dimple in the pivot rod chamber. The pivot rod retainer is comprised of a pivot rod orifice having pivot rod prongs and at least one securing orifice.

Abstract: An automatic valve clearance adjuster comprising an internally screw-threaded housing (1); an externally screw-threaded screw member (3) extending within the housing; the screw thread (4) of the screw member (3) having an external form which is complementary to the thread form of the internal thread (2) of the housing and fits therein with a predetermined axial clearance, the thread being trapezoidal in form, symmetrical in axial cross-section and exhibiting equal frictional resistance against movement in both axial directions; wherein the flank angles, helix angle and number of starts of the screw thread are selected to ensure that the screw member will rotate and advance axially out of the housing solely under the influence of an axial force on its end within the housing; and the emerging end (7) of the screw member is adapted to work in conjunction with an adjacent component to receive therefrom a frictional resistance to rotation.

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism is provided that has a rocker arm that by means of a swivel joint is movable about a pivot axis that extends transverse to the rocker arm. A control unit serves to actuate one end of the rocker arm, the other end of which actuates a poppet valve. A guide element, which is disposed between the end of the valve stem of the poppet valve and the other end of the rocker arm, serves to secure the position of the other end of the rocker arm relative to the valve stem end. The guide element is separate from the rocker arm and valve stem, and the other end of the rocker arm comes to rest between abutment surfaces of the guide element.

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism is provided for an internal combustion engine, especially a four-stroke engine in a power chain saw. The implement housing is spanned by a front handle, the tubular grip of which is adjacent to the cylinder head of the engine and extends from one longitudinal side of the implement to the other longitudinal side thereof. A rocker arm of a valve control is pivotably mounted on the cylinder head between the ends of the rocker arm, with the rocker arm being pivotable about a pivot axis disposed transverse to the rocker arm. Push rods of a control mechanism engage one end of the rocker arm to actuate a poppet valve, on the valve stem of which the other end of the rocker arm acts. To be able to guide the tubular grip close to the center of gravity of the implement, the longitudinal axis of the rocker arm is disposed approximately parallel to the adjacent portion of the tubular grip.

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.

Abstract: A retainer clip includes a U-shaped body, first and second legs, and a resilient segment interconnecting first ends of the legs. The legs are adapted to resiliently engage opposite sides of a wall of a rockable actuator member. A second end of the first leg includes a guide recess having a clip edge. A second end of the second leg includes a gripping recess and opposing resilient edges adapted to frictionally grip opposite sides of a cylindrical member engaged with a socket in a second side of the wall. The resilient edges frictionally grip the cylindrical member at points on an axis intersecting and normal to the axial center line of the cylindrical member. The retainer clip is adapted to frictionally retain the cylindrical member in the socket to thereby form a subassembly for installation in a valve train.

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: It is an object of the present invention to provide a rocker arm having such a shape as to avoid generation of defects in a producing process and to avoid increase in weight and design change of a finished shape. A valve fitting portion 11 of a body 5 is formed by wall-thickening one connecting wall 9 and recessing the connecting wall 9 upward. In the wall thickening, a periphery of the connecting wall 9 is pressurized and compressed from end face sides. As a result, defects such as cracking and sinking that occur in forcible guided-bending can be prevented and reduction of rigidity generated in compressing areas of the metal plate to be formed with side walls in wall thickness directions to reduce thickness of the areas as described in the description of the prior art can be avoided. Therefore, it is unnecessary to use a thick metal plate unlike in the prior art and to change design of the finished shape of the rocker arm body.

Abstract: The reciprocating engine comprises a rocker valve gear, pistons which are fastened to a connecting rod and connected by crankshaft journals to a crankshaft, a balancer, and a camshaft which is driven by the crankshaft and in turn actuates rockers, the mentioned elements being arranged in a crankcase having a cylinder head and cylinder head cover. The cylinder head is provided with integrally cast or screwed-on receivers serving for the attachment of the hollow camshaft without requiring separately fastened bearing blocks. Correspondingly, the cylinder-head comprises further integrally cast or screwed-on receivers which serve for the attachment of the hollow rockers without requiring separately fastened bearing blocks.

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.

Abstract: A pivoting or rotating mounted rocker arm, for a valve train in an internal combustion engine, fitted with a mechanical valve play adjuster element, for the independent setting/adjustment of a first pre-set valve play between rocker arm and valve stem end. The valve play adjuster element comprises a hollow cylinder mounted in the rocker arm in a rotating manner, with planar surfaces (slide patches) formed around the hollow cylinder circumference and a turning spring which turns the slide patches in a predetermined direction. The independent rotation of the slide patches is prevented by contact of the relevant rear surface edge of the planar surface on the valve stem end, so long as a second given valve play is not reached.

Abstract: A rocker arm is tilted by a cam so as to open and close a valve provided on a cylinder head. This arm comprises a pair of opposing wall portions which are made by folding a flat plate so that they oppose substantially in parallel and cylindrical expanding portions which are formed at tilting fulcrum shaft mounting portions located in a center of the opposing wall portions in the length direction thereof, the expanding portions being expanded in the direction of the tilting fulcrum shaft. The cylindrical expanding portions which are thicker than the opposing wall portions receive a load accompanied by the tilting motion so as to decrease bearing stress applied to the opposing wall portions.

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, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.

Abstract: A valve train for a twin cam engine has three valves per cylinder, including a pair of side-by-side intake valves and a single exhaust valve on an opposite, exhaust side of the combustion chamber. Dual camshafts in a V-type engine separately drive the intake and exhaust cams through a single dual arm intake rocker arm and a single exhaust rocker arm per cylinder, which provides much improved inlet port airflow for improved specific output compared to a single inlet valve engine. The single exhaust valve provides better catalytic converter performance due to lower exhaust heat loss than in four-valve engines of the same output capability. The intake and exhaust valve trains provide coplanar action of the push rods, rocker arms and valve stem axes, yielding an efficient and simplified valve train with a high flow combustion chamber. Additional features and advantages are disclosed.

Abstract: A two-step roller finger follower includes an elongate body having a first side member and a second side member. A first end and a second end interconnect the first and second side members. The first and second side member define first and second pin orifices, respectively. A center roller is disposed between the first and second side members. The center roller defines a shaft orifice therethrough. A shaft extends through the shaft orifice. A first shaft end is disposed proximate the first side member, and the second shaft end is disposed proximate the second side member. The second shaft end defines a shaft bore therein. The first shaft end defines a pin chamber therein. The shaft bore being is substantially concentric with and intersects the pin chamber. A locking pin assembly is disposed partially within the shaft bore, the pin chamber and at least one of the pin orifices.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly having a main body with side walls and a push rod contacting portion spaced away from a valve stem contacting portion is disclosed. The valve stem contacting portion further includes a spring clip mounted thereon. The arms of the spring clip cooperate to form a channel for providing lateral guidance between the rocker arm and a valve stem.

Abstract: An engine includes an engine body and pistons reciprocally disposed within the engine body. The engine body and the piston together define a combustion chamber. The engine body defines an intake passage communicating with the combustion chamber at an intake port thereof and an exhaust passage communicating with the combustion chamber at an exhaust port thereof. At least one intake valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the intake port. At least one exhaust valve is arranged to move between an open position and a closed position relative to the exhaust port. A camshaft shaft is journaled for rotation within the engine body. A rocker arm shaft also is disposed within the engine body. Intake and exhaust rocker arms are pivotally mounted on the rocker arm shaft. The intake rocker arm is associated with the intake valve. The exhaust rocker arm is associated with the exhaust valve.

Abstract: There is provided a rocker arm assembly for mounting on a carrier in an internal combustion engine that can be pre-assembled and installed on the rocker carrier decreasing manufacturing time and cost. The rocker arm assembly comprises a rocker arm, a fulcrum plate, a retaining clip, and a pivot ball that in cooperation with the retaining clip cooperatively connects the fulcrum plate and the rocker arm such that the pivot ball provides a pivot point for the rocker arm to pivot and thereby actuate at least one valve or valve bridge. The rocker arm further comprises a push rod cup, an aperture, pivot ball cup, and a pivot foot. The fulcrum plate can be a dual fulcrum plate, which holds two rocker arms, or an end fulcrum plate, which holds one rocker arm. The rocker arms can be either intake or exhaust rocker arms.

Abstract: The present invention prevents abnormal wear of the. friction surfaces surrounding the rocker arm, prevents poor lubrication when the engine is started at low temperature after a long period of shutdown, and improves reliability. A bag-shaped oil sump (24) opening upward is provided in the middle part of the rocker arm main body (17). A roller (15) and a roller pin (16) are provided inside the oil sump (24) and when the engine stops, these are immersed in the oil in the oil sump (24). When the engine stops, the area between the roller (15) and the roller pin (16) is lubricated. Further, when the engine is re-started after a long period of shutdown, until the oil has risen, the area between the roller (15) and the cam (8) can be lubricated using the oil adhering to the roller (15). When the rocker arm (6) oscillates downward, the oil in the oil sump (24) is supplied from the oil exhaust (28) by spraying towards the valve shaft end.

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 cam follower having a clamp disposed on at least one end thereof. The follower includes two opposing sidewalls interconnected by a lower pallet. A roller is rotatably mounted to and disposed between the sidewalls via needled or journal bearings or other rotatable connection known in the art. A clamp is disposed about an end of the follower to induce compression force in the pallet and possibly act as the valve guide walls. The clamp increases the stiffness of the follower and induces compressive stress in the pallet area thereby increasing fatigue life. The clamp could also increase the length of the valve guide walls for better stability during engine assembly.

Abstract: A lever-type cam follower (1) of a thin-walled material like sheet metal is proposed. It has a simply structured valve stem guidance in the region of one of its ends (5). The guidance comprises a separate securing element (6) with a basically U-shaped cross-section. A web (9) of the securing element (6) bears against a crossbeam (3) of the cam follower (1) and possesses an opening (11), for example punched, for receiving a valve stem.

Abstract: It is aimed to prolong the life of a rocker arm in which rollers are housed in a full type form between a ring and a pin from a viewpoint completely different from the idea of improving the material. It is proposed to suitably control the relation between clearances in circumferential and radial directions for the rollers housed in a roller housing space formed between the outer peripheral surface of the pin and the inner peripheral surface of the ring.

Abstract: In a switchable support element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, the lost motion spring (8) of the valve train is made as a torsion spring. This spring is arranged outside of the support element (1) and only the legs and the arms of the spring engage a housing and a head, respectively. In this way, the support element (1) requires no substantially larger design space than non-switchable prior art elements, particularly in axial direction.

Abstract: A variable ratio rocker arm is provided for use in combination with the valve stem and push rod of an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm has a toothed rack. A fulcrum rod is provided with a toothed sector. A stationary support member has a rod seat. The fulcrum rod toothed sector engages the toothed rack of the rocker arm and the rod seat of the stationary support shaft. An operating arm is coupled to the fulcrum rod for simultaneously rotating and translating the fulcrum rod along the toothed rack of the rocker arm and the rod seat of the stationary support shaft. The operating arm causes the fulcrum rod to rotate and translate along the mating itoothing from one point of pivotal engagement, corresponding to a first engine operating condition, to another point of pivotal engagement, corresponding to a second engine operating condition.

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.

Abstract: A switchable support element (1) requiring only a small design space. For this purpose, a slide (12) that serves to couple an inner element (6) to an outer housing (3) in the support element (1) is positioned laterally in a housing (2) arranged in the cylinder head (5). At the same time, a bore (8) in the inner element (6) for the slide (12) is made as a pocket bore, the housing (2) being seated through an annular extension (11) directly in a bore (9) of the outer housing (3).

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for the control of the intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine, in which an oscillating arm has a first end hinged on a fixed support and a second end in abutment, directly or via the interposition of a strut, on the upper end of the stem of the intake or exhaust valve, two electromagnets being provided in order to move, on command, the oscillating arm so as axially to displace the valve between a closed position and a position of maximum opening, a first and a second elastic member being provided to maintain the intake or exhaust valve respectively in the closed position and in the position of maximum opening, by exerting on the valve axial thrusts contrary to one another; in the balanced position, the two elastic members are adapted to maintain the valve in an intermediate position between the closed position and the position of maximum opening.

Abstract: Electromagnetic actuator of an improved type for controlling the valves for induction or exhaust of an internal-combustion engine, wherein an oscillating arm has a first end which is pivoted on a support frame which is secured to the head of the engine, and a second end which abuts the upper end of the stem of the valve for induction or exhaust; two electromagnets being provided to move the oscillating arm by command, such as to displace the said valve axially, between a position of closure and a position of maximum opening; the frame being pivoted on the head of the engine, such as being able to rotate around an axis of rotation, which is perpendicular to the axis of movement of the valve for induction or exhaust, and the electromagnetic actuator also being provided with a device to regulate the position of the frame relative to the head, which device can rotate the said frame by command around the said axis of rotation, such as to be able to maintain at a pre-determined value the mechanical play which exist

Abstract: A rocker arm, which opens and closes a valve when tilted by a cam and is provided on a cylinder head, has a body made of sheet metal. The body is constituted in such a manner that one metal plate blank is bent into a substantially U shape so that a pair of opposed side walls and connecting walls for connecting the side walls are provided. A convex valve fitting section is provided on the connecting walls of the body by press working including a non-uniform cross section process producing plastic flow of material.

Abstract: An engaging and disengaging support element is proposed, having a compression spring (21) constructed as a so-called “lost-motion spring” that concentrically surrounds an inner element (5) that can be uncoupled. Because of this construction, a considerable amount of construction space is gained in the axial direction. Preferably, the support element (1) is provided with a hydraulic play compensation element (9).

Abstract: To provide a valve system for an engine, in which a rocker arm is interlocked with an engine valve and is supported on a rocker shaft fixedly mounted to a cylinder head such that it is rockable with the rotation of a camshaft. Accordingly, the size and weight of the engine can be reduced. The posture of a rocker shaft is set to have an axial line crossing an axial line of a crankshaft on the projection plane perpendicular to an axial line of a cylinder bore. A rocker arm is rockably supported by the rocker shaft and is provided with an input arm extending, on the above projection plane, from the rocker arm to the camshaft side. A pull rod reciprocates in the axial direction with the rotation of the camshaft and is connected to the input arm.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly having a main body with side walls and a push rod contacting portion spaced away from a valve stem contacting portion is disclosed. The valve stem contacting portion further includes a spring clip mounted thereon. The arms of the spring clip cooperate to form a channel for providing lateral guidance between the rocker arm and a valve stem.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved assembly for operating at least one exhaust valve and at least one intake valve in a cylinder in an engine. The assembly includes a rocker shaft, an intake rocker arm pivotally mounted on the rocker shaft for operating at least one intake valve of the engine cylinder, an exhaust rocker arm pivotally mounted on the rocker shaft for operating at least one exhaust valve of the engine cylinder. The improved assembly includes a lash adjusting assembly for adjusting a lash between at least one of the intake rocker arm and the at least one intake valve, and the exhaust rocker arm and the at least one exhaust valve. The improvement further includes a fluid supply assembly for supplying fluid to the lash adjusting assembly to operate the lash adjusting assembly. The improved assembly further includes a control assembly for controlling the operation of the supply assembly in response to predetermined engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A valve lift mechanism for an internal combustion engine is disposed on the engine cylinder head. The valve lift mechanism has a rocker arm pivotally mounted on the stem of an engine intake valve that is slidably mounted in the cylinder head of the engine. The inlet valve is reciprocated by rocking motion of the rocker arm to control the opening and closing of an inlet passage in the cylinder to thereby control the incoming air/fuel mixture. A contact roller is mounted adjacent one end of the rocker arm on one side of the pivotal mount and a contact surface is formed along the rocker arm on the opposite side of the pivotal mount. A positioning mechanism including a roller is operable to selectively position a contact point between the roller and the contact surface to establish a rocking point for the rocker arm between a maximum lift position for the inlet valve and a minimum lift position of the inlet valve.

Abstract: A rocker arm support mechanism includes a holding member (3), a rocker arm shaft (6) and a nut (31). The holding member (3) has a base wall fastened to an end surface of a cylinder head, and a pair of support walls (3a) each provided with a hole (28). The rocker arm shaft (6) includes an eccentric sleeve (15) having a bore (20) and a circumference (15a) eccentric to the bore (20), and a support shaft (14) passed through the hole (28) of one of the side walls (3a), the bore (20) of the eccentric sleeve (15) and the hole (28) of the other side wall (3a). The support shaft (14) is inserted in the bore (20) of the eccentric sleeve (15) and the eccentric sleeve (15) is restrained from turning relative to the support shaft (14).

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism is provided for an internal combustion engine, especially a four-stroke engine in a power chain saw. The implement housing is spanned by a front handle, the tubular grip of which is adjacent to the cylinder head of the engine and extends from one longitudinal side of the implement to the other longitudinal side thereof. A rocker arm of a valve control is pivotably mounted on the cylinder head between the ends of the rocker arm, with the rocker arm being pivotable about a pivot axis disposed transverse to the rocker arm. Push rods of a control mechanism engage one end of the rocker arm to actuate a poppet valve, on the valve stem of which the other end of the rocker arm acts. To be able to guide the tubular grip close to the center of gravity of the implement, the longitudinal axis of the rocker arm is disposed approximately parallel to the adjacent portion of the tubular grip.

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism is provided that has a rocker arm that by means of a swivel joint is movable about a pivot axis that extends transverse to the rocker arm. A control unit serves to actuate one end of the rocker arm, the other end of which actuates a poppet valve. A guide element, which is disposed between the end of the valve stem of the poppet valve and the other end of the rocker arm, serves to secure the position of the other end of the rocker arm relative to the valve stem end. The guide element is separate from the rocker arm and valve stem, and the other end of the rocker arm comes to rest between abutment surfaces of the guide element.

Abstract: There is provided a rocker arm assembly for mounting on a carrier in an internal combustion engine that can be pre-assembled and installed on the rocker carrier decreasing manufacturing time and cost. The rocker arm assembly comprises a rocker arm, a fulcrum plate, a retaining clip, and a pivot ball that in cooperation with the retaining clip cooperatively connects the fulcrum plate and the rocker arm such that the pivot ball provides a pivot point for the rocker arm to pivot and thereby actuate at least one valve or valve bridge. The rocker arm further comprises a push rod cup, an aperture, pivot ball cup, and a pivot foot. The fulcrum plate can be a dual fulcrum plate, which holds two rocker arms, or an end fulcrum plate, which holds one rocker arm. The rocker arms can be either intake or exhaust rocker arms.

Abstract: A valve actuating system for actuating at least one valve of an engine includes an improved mechanism for varying the timing and/or lift of the valve. The mechanism uses two adjacent rockers that cooperate with two adjacent cams of a camshaft. In one operating condition, movement of a first rocker is transmitted to the valve through the second rocker and in another operating condition only the movement of the second rocker is transmitted to the valve. The rockers preferably cooperate with cams having different lifts. The lift of the cam driving the first rocker preferably is greater than the lift of the cam driving the second rocker.

Abstract: A sheet metal rocker arm manufactured by the steps of punching one metal plate to form a blank having a predetermined contour and through holes, and subjecting this blank to a bending work based on a press work to form a pair of side walls parallel to each other and a connecting portion for connecting the both ends of the side walls in the width direction thereof. This rocker arm is also provided with at least a pair of though holes formed at positions which are aligned with each other on the both side walls and at least one engagement portion provided in a part of the connecting portion. The thickness of at least one engagement portion, is formed to be greater than the thickness of the both side walls.

Abstract: A mechanical assist actuation bracket for use with a roller finger follower. The roller finger follower includes a locking pin assembly having a trigger pin. The mechanical assist actuation bracket includes a face configured for being affixed to the roller finger follower. An arm extends from the face. The arm is configured for translating an actuating arm of an actuating device associated with the roller finger follower in a direction toward and away from the trigger pin during pivotal movement of the roller finger follower.

Abstract: The invention is a valve deactivator assembly (15) for use in connection with a valve train of an internal combustion engine. In application, a pre-selected number of the engine cylinders would each be equipped with a deactivator connected to its intake engine valve. Upon driver selection or predetermined road conditions, sufficient lost motion would be introduced into the valve train so that the valve would remain closed and the cylinder deactivated as the engine is in operation. The deactivator has in its inner body (19) a latch assembly that is in a latched condition for normal operation of the valve train. When it is desired to retain the valve in the closed position and deactivate a cylinder, the latch assembly is caused to be moved to the unlatched condition by increase in the pressure of the engine oil. When the latch assembly is unlatched, significant lost motion is introduced into the valve train causing the valve to remain closed and the cylinder is deactivated.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly 207 is provided which has an extendable plunger 212. The plunger 212 has a spring 136 biased first position contacting with a lost motion arm 44. In the first position, the plunger 212 prevents angular movement of the lost motion arm 44 with respect to a rocker arm body 208. In the first position, the rocker arm assembly 207 imparts full motion to a valve 19. A coil 224 is provided to bias the plunger 212 to a second position. In the second position, the plunger 212 does not contact the lost motion arm 44 and accordingly the lost motion arm 44 can have relative movement. When the lost motion arm 44 can have relative angular movement, the valve 19 is partially or totally deactivated.

Abstract: The lost motion arm 44 has first and second contact surfaces 102 and 104. A latch mechanism is connected on the body with an extendable plunger 120 having a first contact surface 124 and a second contact surface 126. The plunger 120 has a first position for first contact surface 124 engagement with the lost motion arm first contact surface 102 to prevent angular movement of the lost motion arm 44 with respect to the body 10 in a first angular direction. When angular movement in the first angular direction is prevented, the motion of the lost motion arm 44 imparted by the cam lobe 66 is transmitted to the body 10 to provide for a first state of operation of the valve stem 18. When the plunger 120 is in a second position, non-contacting with the lost motion arm 44, the lost motion arm 44 is allowed to pivot relative to the body 10. Accordingly, the rocker arm assembly 7 will be in a second state of total or partial deactivation of the valve stem 18.

Abstract: A roller finger follower (RFF) wherein the shaft of the roller bearing is restrained in the follower finger by the overhead cam. Ends of the shaft are positioned in place in the follower finger by notches formed in the side walls of the follower finger. The notches restrain the shaft from axial movement. The cam in position over the RFF keeps the shaft nested in the notches. Further restraining means are disclosed to keep the shaft loosely nested in the notches in the follower finger before the cam is installed in position.

Abstract: A roller finger follower includes an elongate body having a first side member and a second side member. A bracket having first and second sides is associated with the body. The first side of the bracket is disposed adjacent an inside surface of the first side member of the body. The second side of the bracket is disposed adjacent an inside surface of the second side member of the body. A roller is disposed between the first and second sides of the bracket. The roller defines a shaft orifice therethrough. An elongate hollow shaft extends through the shaft orifice and couples the roller to the bracket. A locking pin assembly is disposed at least partially within the hollow shaft. The locking pin assembly has a first position wherein the shaft is decoupled from the body and a second position wherein the shaft is coupled to the body. The locking pin assembly is switchable between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A rocker arm, for operating a valve in a machine such as an internal combustion engine, has a stamped body with a push rod socket at a first end, a valve pallet at a second end, and two lateral walls extending between the first and second ends, each of the lateral walls having a bearing support aligned on a common axis. A stiffener strap extends from one bearing support over the lateral walls to the other bearing support, the stiffener strap having a bearing housing at each end for engagement with the bearing supports of the stamped body. The stiffener strap may also include stabilizer features for clamping the lateral walls of the stamped body to resist inward buckling in service.

Abstract: A finger lever for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said finger lever being made by shaping without chip removal and comprising two side walls (5,6) which are connected to each other in a first end region (1) by a first bottom wall (4) to form an upwardly open U-shape, the first bottom wall (4) comprising a downwardly facing semi-spherical recess (7) for receiving a support element, said side walls (5,6) being connected to each other in a second end region (2) by a second bottom wall (11) to form an upwardly open U-shape, said second bottom wall (11) comprising a contact surface for a valve stem of a gas exchange valve (12), and the contact surface comprising lateral guides spaced apart from each other characterized in that, in the region of the contact surface of the valve stem (12) and/or in the region of the semi-spherical recess (7), the side walls (5,6) comprise partially punched-out sections (14) that are bent through nearly 180° toward the valve stem (12) and/or toward the support el