Abstract: An engine valve actuator for an internal combustion engine is provided. The engine valve actuator includes a housing having an opening and a first fluid passageway leading to the opening. An adjustment member is disposed in the housing and includes a protrusion that extends into the opening of the housing. A piston is disposed in the opening of the housing and has a bore adapted to receive the protrusion, a chamber, and a second fluid passageway that connects the bore with the chamber. The piston is adapted to move in a first direction relative to the housing in response to an introduction of pressurized fluid into the first fluid passageway. The piston moves in the first direction until the protrusion substantially withdraws from the bore. A push rod is operatively engaged with the piston such that movement of the piston in the first direction causes a corresponding movement of the push rod to thereby engage and open the engine valve.

Abstract: The invention proposes a tappet (1) in a valve train of an internal combustion engine having a bottom camshaft for acting on a tappet push rod, said tappet being arranged with a housing (2) for axial displacement, but secured against rotation, in a guide bore (3) of the internal combustion engine (3a) or of a component connected to the internal combustion engine, said housing (2) comprising on one front end (4), two cheek-like extensions (5) that are situated diametrically opposite each other and are connected by an axle (6) on which a rotary roller (7) extends for making direct contact with a cam, said front end (4) comprising a transverse region (8) that connects the extensions (5) axially inside and has a cylindrical shape in a length direction of the roller (7), and said guide bore (3) being intersected by two passages (12, 13) for routing hydraulic medium to the tappet (1), wherein a radius center point (M) of the transverse region (8) of the one front end (4) is situated with a lateral offset to a longi

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (11) for an internal combustion engine, and an improved method of assembly of such a lash adjuster. The lash adjuster (11) is of the type having a body (13), a plunger (15), and a check valve assembly (17). In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the check valve assembly comprises a cartridge (17A;17B) comprising a member (27;41) separate from the plunger (15) and defining a valve seat (27S;41S). The check valve cartridge is capable of being assembled and tested for compliance with a predetermined relationship of flow versus pressure differential, prior to assembly into the plunger (15). In accordance with the improved method of assembly, a plurality of different bodies (13A;13B) and plungers (15A;15B;15C;15D) is provided, as well as a plurality of different, interchangeable check valve cartridges (17A;17B), and the assembly operator selects a body, a plunger, and a cartridge to provide an assembled lash adjuster having the predetermined, desired operating parameters.

Abstract: For an arm type valve gear in which a lash adjuster is mounted between an arm pivoted by the rotation of a cam and a valve stem, it is a goal to reduce the axial length of the lash adjuster and to suppress wear at the contact portion with the valve stem. An engaging hole is formed in an arm pivoted by the rotation of a cam at a position corresponding to the top end face of a valve stem. A lash adjuster received in the engaging hole includes a nut member, an adjuster screw in threaded engagement with the nut member, an elastic body biasing the adjuster screw toward the valve stem, and a ball joint to reduce the axial length of the lash adjuster. Further, by bringing the bottom end face of the ball joint into surface contact with the top end face of the valve stem, wear at the contact portion is suppressed.

Abstract: A valve deactivator assembly according to aspects of the present invention includes an inner body member that is slidably disposed in a longitudinal bore defined by an outer body member. Two diametrically opposed pistons are positioned in a transverse bore also defined by the outer body member. A pair of substantially identical latch members are outwardly biased against an inner end of the pistons by a compressed spring. The latch members are generally semi-cylindrical in shape and include flat truncated semi-circular upper and lower surfaces. The pistons apply radially inward force in response to engine oil pressure to adjacent latch member to move the latch member against the bias of the compressed spring to an unlatched position. The periphery of each latch member lower surface provides arcuate shoulder portions that engage angularly separated portions of a latching surface inside the outer body member.

Abstract: A lash adjuster is provided which can maintain stable valve lift. An adjuster screw is mounted into a threaded hole formed in the bottom of the end plate of a lifter body. An elastic member is mounted in the threaded hole to bias the adjuster screw axially downwardly. The female threads of the threaded hole and the male threads of the adjuster screw are serration-shaped. A plurality of axial grooves are formed in the inner periphery of the threaded hole to circumferentially divide the female threads into many separate portions, and satin-finished rough surfaces are formed on the pressure flanks of the male threads by shot-peening to enable quick expulsion of oil film disposed between the opposed pressure flanks, thereby stabilizing the valve lift.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a valve train that includes a switchable cam follower is provided. The cam follower (20) has a generally cylindrical shape and can move longitudinally in a receptacle (21) of the engine (22), and is acted upon at one axial end by a cam (23) of a camshaft and at the other axial end indirectly or directly by a gas exchange valve of the valve train. A main oil gallery (24) is arranged in the internal combustion engine (22) for introducing hydraulic medium to a valve lash adjustment element arranged in the cam follower (20).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roller follower, comprising an outer surface, enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the first cavity includes a first inner surface configured to house a cylindrical insert, the second cavity includes a second inner surface cylindrically shaped, and at least one of the cavities is fabricated through forging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical valve play compensation element for a valve drive on a piston combustion engine, comprising a first pressure part (1) which is axially displaceable in relation to a second pressure part (2) and which is fixed in such a way that it can turn about the axis of displacement; a torsion spring element (10) which acts between the first pressure part (1) and the second pressure part (2) and is axially flexible at least to a certain extent; and at least one helical surface (9.1) on the first pressure part (1), to which a corresponding helical surface (9.2) on the second pressure part (2) is allocated, these forming a pair of helical surfaces (9). The surfaces of the helical surface pair (9) are configured as a rough surface and are pressed against each other by the torsion spring element (10).

Abstract: A rush adjuster which adjusts a relative position between a valve body and an armature in an axial direction so that a state of zero-rush is formed is arranged between an armature shaft and a valve shaft. At a time of starting an electromagnetic drive valve, a first starting current is applied to either one of an upper coil and a lower coil for generating electromagnetic forces for attracting the armature closer, whichever a distance with respect to the armature is shorter.

Abstract: A hydraulic tappet for internal combustion engines with overhead camshaft has hollow cylindrical housing that is sealed at one end by a tappet floor that is mechanically linked to a cam of a camshaft. Longitudinally borne in the housing is a hydraulic play compensation unit, the pressure chamber of which, for exchanging fluid, can be connected to a fluid reservoir that is sealed to the outside. For compensating volume from the fluid reservoir, a largely circular compensation element that limits the fluid reservoir is provided and that is provided with at least one undulation and/or fold. The compensation element is arranged such that the center region is freely movable and the undulation and/or fold opens or closes depending on the required volume compensation.

Abstract: A lash adjuster is provided which can maintain stable valve lift. An adjuster screw is mounted into a threaded hole formed in the bottom of the end plate of a lifter body. An elastic member is mounted in the threaded hole to bias the adjuster screw axially downwardly. The female threads of the threaded hole and the male threads of the adjuster screw are serration-shaped. A plurality of axial grooves are formed in the inner periphery of the threaded hole to circumferentially divide the female threads into many separate portions, and satin-finished rough surfaces are formed on the pressure flanks of the male threads by shot-peening to quickly expel oil film disposed between the opposed pressure flanks, thereby stabilizing the valve lift.

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 present invention relates to a method for fabricating a roller follower assembly, comprising the steps of fabricating a lash adjuster body, fabricating a roller follower body, fabricating a leakdown plunger, fabricating a socket, wherein at least one of the lash adjuster body, roller follower body, leakdown plunger, and socket is fabricated at least in part by forging.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shim or a valve lifter for an automotive engine valve driving system that slides against a cam lobe of a camshaft to drive an intake/exhaust valve of an internal combustion engine. The shim or lifter has the top of a sliding surface thereof opposing the cam lobe and being coated with a hard carbon film. The hard carbon film has a surface hardness of 1500 to 4500 kg/mm2 in terms of Knoop hardness, a thickness of 0.3 to 2.

Abstract: In a lash adjuster of a valve gear which employs a serration-shaped thread mechanism, the formation of tribochemical reactive film is suppressed by using as the materials for its adjuster screw and nut member or the materials for their thread surfaces such materials that even if FM oil is used, the friction coefficient will not extremely fall. The nut member is provided on the underside of an end plate of a lifter body. The adjuster screw is threadedly engaged in a threaded hole of the nut member. The adjuster screw is biased by a return spring. The female threads of the threaded hole and the male threads of the adjuster screw are serration shaped. One or both of the nut member and the adjuster screw, or the pressured thread surfaces of one or both of them are formed of a material that will not react with oil additives of FM oil to suppress the formation of tribochemical reactive film, thereby stabilizing the operation of the lash adjuster.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve mechanism with a variable valve opening cross section for use in an internal combustion engine and having a gas exchange valve acted on by the force of a valve spring and displaceable axially back and forth inside a guide by a valve control unit; the position of the sealing slide relative to the gas exchange valve in the axial direction is continuously variable by means of an adjusting unit. A sealing slide disposed coaxially to the gas exchange valve, is acted upon by the force of a coupling spring, and is displaceable axially back and forth by the valve control unit. The position of the sealing slide is variable in the axial direction relative to the gas exchange valve by means of an adjusting unit.

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: The present invention relates to a lash adjuster body, comprising A lash adjuster body, comprising an outer surface, enclosing a cavity, wherein the cavity includes an inner surface configured to accommodate an insert and a spring; and the cavity is fabricated through forging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roller follower, comprising an outer surface, enclosing a first cavity and a second cavity, wherein the first cavity includes a first inner surface configured to house a cylindrical insert, the second cavity includes a second inner surface cylindrically shaped, and at least one of the cavities is fabricated through forging.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to functionally improve a hydraulic play compensation element for a valve gear of an internal combustion engine. To this end, the play compensation element is characterized by the following features. Both components (4; 6) enclose a pressure chamber (7) between them, which is sealed from the exterior and which has a volume that depends on the relative position of both components (4; 6). A pressure spring (5) that presses both components (4; 6) away from one another is mounted inside the pressure chamber (7). The pressure chamber (7) can be connected to the storage chamber (8) via a spring-loaded one-way valve (10) through which media can flow exclusively into the pressure space. An additional controllable stop valve (11) is provided in the connection of the pressure chamber (7) to the storage chamber (8). A throttling channel (17), which serves as a bypass to the one-way valve (10), is provided between the pressure chamber (7) and the controllable stop valve (11).

Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve having a valve element, a rocker arm having a pivot point, a first end, and a second end, and a valve actuator. The valve actuator has a body member having a chamber adapted to receive a fluid, a seat, and a passageway adapted to conduct fluid into and out of the chamber. A piston is slidably disposed in the chamber of the body member and is operatively engaged with the second end of the rocker arm. A control valve is connected to the passageway. The control valve has a first position where fluid is allowed to flow relative to the passageway to allow the body member to move relative to the piston until the seat moves into engagement with the piston to thereby move the piston to pivot the rocker arm and actuate the engine valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable valve train (1) for a cam-actuated lifting valve (13) of an internal combustion engine, which valve (13) is loaded by a closing spring (13a) acting against the direction of opening, with an approximately cylindrical force application element (2) located between a cam (14) and the valve (13), whose length can be adjusted hydraulically and whose exterior cylindrical wall face (3) is slidable in a fixed guide cylinder (4), said element (2) being provided with a pressure piston (6) longitudinally slidable in a cylinder (5), which piston (6) is adjacent to a pressure chamber (7) into which opens a pressure channel (8) departing from a port (9) in the wall face (3) of the force application element (2), a fixed pressure line (11) opening into the guide cylinder (4) in the area of the port (9), which line (11) can be subjected to hydraulic high pressure (pH) permitting hydraulic activation of the valve (13).

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: To provide a high performance four-stroke internal combustion engine wherein an increase in a side of a cylinder head is prevented and a valve resting mechanism is provided for a valve lifter. In a four-stroke internal combustion engine with a valve resting mechanism includes a valve lifter having a valve resting mechanism interposed between a valve motion cam and a stem of a poppet valve and a valve lifter spring is provided for biasing the valve lifter in a direction in which the valve lifter is normally held in contact with the valve motion cam. A slide pin holder is pressed against the valve lifter by a spring force of the valve lifter spring that is provided on the valve lifter while a shim portion having a predetermined thickness for controlling a relative positional relationship with the valve lifter is formed integrally with a valve lifter top wall.

Abstract: A connection between a shaft end of a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine and a final control element of a valve actuator, with at least two shell-shaped wedge-shaped pieces, surrounding the shaft end and braced on the final control element, whose radially outer circumferential surface extends conically and which are surrounded by at least one conical clamping sleeve whose radially inner circumferential surface extends complimentary to the cone angle of the wedge-shaped pieces, wherein on the radially inner circumferential surface of the wedge-shaped pieces and on the radially outer circumferential surface of the shaft end of the gas exchange valve, protrusions and recesses that mesh with one another are provided.

Abstract: A valve deactivation assembly (21) comprises part of the valve gear train for an internal combustion engine, and is disposed in a bore (55) defined by the A engine block (11B). The assembly (21) includes a latching mechanism (67) shiftable, in response to control fluid pressure, between latched and unlatched conditions. The assembly (21) includes an outer body member (53), having an outer cylindrical surface (53S), reciprocable within said the bore (55), the outer body member including a lower terminal portion (55L). The outer body member defines an annular sealing groove (75) which remains aligned within the bore (55), between the lower terminal portion (55L) and a passage (72) communicating control fluid pressure the latching mechanism (67), as the outer body member reciprocates. There is also a fluid passage (77) disposed to communicate a source (79) of low pressure to the annular groove (75), to thereby form a barrier to block the migration of air to the control pressure passage (72).

Abstract: A valve clearance adjustment mechanism for use in small internal combustion engines such as, for example, side valve engines and overhead valve engines, which generally include intake and exhaust valves actuated by lifters pivotally mounted within the engine housing, which in turn are actuated by cam lobes driven in timed rotation with the crank shaft. An adjustment member is provided for mounting each lifter to a shaft, wherein the adjustment member is eccentric relative to the shaft, such that rotation of the adjustment member modifies the position of the lifter and in turn modifies the valve clearance between the lifter and the valve. After the valve clearance has been properly set, the adjustment member is fixed in position.

Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes two pin members. The pin members are biased radially outward relative to each other. A portion of each pin member is disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby couple the lifter body to the pin housing.

Abstract: In a valve train of an internal combustion engine having a switchable support element (1), the lost motion spring (18) of the support element (1) is arranged axially offset next to the support element (1) while being coupled to an inner element (3) of the support element (1) by a crossbar (20). Due to this externally positioned spring (18), the support element (1) requires only a relatively small design space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection (42) between a shaft end (22) of a gas exchange valve (1) of an internal combustion engine and a sleevelike actuating piston (2) of a valve actuator (4), having at least two shell-like key pieces (44, 46), surrounding the shaft end (22) and on whose radially outer circumferential surface there is a conically tapering portion (50), pointing away from a combustion chamber of the engine, which portion extends in complementary fashion to the cone angle of a radially inner conical portion (60) of a conical fastening sleeve that includes the key pieces (44, 46), and the conical fastening sleeve and the key pieces (44, 46) can be braced axially against one another, and protrusions (70) and recesses (72) engaging one another are provided on the radially inner circumferential surface of the key pieces (44, 46) and on the radially outer circumferential surface of the shaft end (22) of the gas exchange valve (1).

Abstract: What is proposed is a switchable tappet (1) for the direct transmission of a cam lift to a tappet push rod. The tappet (1) comprises a hydraulic clearance compensation element (31) and has an excellent hydraulic rigidity compared to the prior art. This is achieved by a leak gap positioned radially very far outwards. This leak gap is situated directly between a housing (2) and a pressure piston (4) which, in its turn, encloses an inner element (11) that acts on a tappet push rod.

Abstract: A fuel valve is provided in the Diesel fuel supply line to a cylinder to be deactivated. A return fuel line is provided and when the fuel valve is closed the fuel is returned to the fuel supply tank. In open position fuel is directed to the top portion of the cylinder. The cylinder is provided with a conventional exhaust valve. However, the intake valve is modified to be located closer to the top of the cylinder. The previous gap of about ¼ inch is reduced to about 0.005 to 0.015 inches. This allows the intake valve to remain open instead of closed as the piston moves upwardly in a deactivated cylinder when the exhaust valve is closed, to allow air to enter the intake valve in the full up position of the piston. This valve system e located in all Diesel engines including Diesel powered motocycles.

Abstract: A lash adjuster is provided which can keep a constant valve lifting amount. An adjust screw is brought into threaded engagement in a threaded hole formed in the bottom surface of an end plate of a lifter body. The adjust screw is biased in the axial direction by an elastic member. The threads of female threads of the threaded hole and the male threads on the adjust screw are serrated. The surface roughness of the pressure flanks of the serrated threads is set to 0.4 or over to prevent the adjust screw from retracting while turning when push-in loads are applied to the adjust screw from the valve stem, thereby stabilizing the valve lifting amount. Also, a slide member is mounted between the adjust screw and the valve stem and a retaining means is provided to prevent the slide member from turning relative to the nut member while supporting it so as to be movable in the axial direction.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster has a plunger assembly the outer end of which can be moved inwardly until the inner end abuts a seal and closes a high pressure chamber, thus preventing further movement. This accommodates any necessary movement of a valve towards its closing position to ensure proper closure. Consequently, net-shaped cams wherein the base circle is not necessarily accurately concentric may be used. A leaf spring ensures opening of the chamber when the base circle of the cam is next reached.

Abstract: The invention proposes a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said switching element comprising an outer element (2) and an inner element (4) that is arranged for axial displacement in a bore (3) of the outer element (2), each of the outer element (2) and the inner element (4) comprising at least one reception (12, 9) aligned to each other in an axially distant relative position which is achieved through a lost motion spring (8), at least one piston (10) being arranged in at least one of the receptions (12, 9) for sliding toward the other of the receptions (12, 9) to couple the inner element (4) to the outer element (2) in said relative position, and a high-position stop for defining said relative position being arranged between the inner element (4) and the outer element (2).

Abstract: Deactivation apparatus for selected cylinders of an engine include switching hydraulic lash adjusters or valve lifters forming part of a valve train for actuating engine valves of the selected cylinders and operable to actuate or release their respective valves in response to an oil pressure signal. A gallery carrying the lash adjusters includes oil passages fed by an engine pressure oil supply through a control valve to supply oil to switching portions of the lash adjusters. The control valve is operative to close or open communication of the oil supply with the lash adjusters and to relieve oil pressure in the passages when communication with the pressure oil supply is closed. Various bypass alternatives between the pressure oil supply and the oil passages carry oil to portions of the oil passages to purge air from the passages when the three-way valve exhaust port is open.

Abstract: A valve-deactivation hydraulic valve lifter including a conventional hydraulic lash adjuster means disposed within a pin housing slidably disposed in a lifter body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains opposed locking pins for selectively engaging a circumferential groove including a locking surface in the lifter body whereby the lifter body and the pin housing may be engaged or disengaged to activate or deactivate a pushrod controlling an engine valve. Ends of the locking pins are spherical so that the pins cannot become stuck in corners in the groove. The groove corner is rounded be either a positive radius or a negative radius to remove a sharp corner known to be an originating and propagating point for stress failure of the lifter body in prior art lifters. The edge of each pin and the edge of the locking surface are chamfered to prevent damage to these edges during locking and unlocking. A second surface intermediate an outer surface of the pin housing and the transverse bore is also provided.

Abstract: A valve-lash adjuster equipped valve operating device for an internal combustion engine includes a biasing device biasing an engine valve in a valve-closing direction, and a valve drive mechanism opening the engine valve against the spring bias of the biasing device. A hydraulic zero lash adjuster is disposed between the engine valve and the valve drive mechanism to provide zero valve lash. A restriction device is provided to restrict a compressive force applied from each of the engine valve and the valve drive mechanism to the zero lash adjuster, when the engine is stopped.

Abstract: A switchable tappet for directly transmitting a cam lift onto a tappet push rod, includes a housing having a push rod distal end which is formed with a ramp surface for contact by a cam. An inner element is placed in a recess of thehousing and has a push rod proximal end formed with an abutment for the push rod. Secured to the push rod proximal end of the inner element is an attachment to extend the inner element beyond the recess of the housing, wherein the attachment has a housing-distal end formed with a shoulder. A helical compression spring extends between the shoulder of the attachment and a rim of the housing for urging the inner element in a direction of the push rod, and conically expands, at least partly, in the direction of the push rod and is wrapped around the attachment of complementary conical configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical valve play compensation element for a valve drive on a piston combustion engine, comprising a first pressure part (1) which is axially displaceable in relation to a second pressure part (2) and which is fixed in such a way that it can turn about the axis of displacement; a torsion spring element (10) which acts between the first pressure part (1) and the second pressure part (2) and is axially flexible at least to a certain extent; and at least one helical surface (9.1) on the first pressure part (1), to which a corresponding helical surface (9.2) on the second pressure part (2) is allocated, these forming a pair of helical surfaces (9). The surfaces of the helical surface pair (9) are configured as a rough surface and are pressed against each other by the torsion spring element (10).

Abstract: A valve timing system for an internal combustion engine having a roller finger follower assembly including a lash adjustment mechanism. The roller finger follower assembly includes a base arm and a roller carriage that may be assembled to each other in a range of positions. The roller carriage supports a camshaft contact roller that may be moved by an adjustment mechanism to cause the camshaft contact roller to be contacted by the lobe of a camshaft in a range of angular relationships. The roller finger follower assembly includes a lash pin having a central section that is contoured to provide a secondary lash adjustment.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine, in which an oscillating arm has an end in abutment on the upper end of the stem of the intake or exhaust valve; two electromagnets being provided to move the oscillating arm so as axially to displace this valve; a frame supporting the arm being connected to the head of the engine so as to be able to oscillate about an axis perpendicular to the axis of movement of the intake or exhaust valve and the electromagnetic actuator being provided with a device for adjusting the position of the frame with respect to the head to rotate the frame so as to maintain the mechanical play between the end of the oscillating arm and the stem of the valve at a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting valve lift (VVL apparatus) is made up of a substantially cylindrical tappet casing having on an upper end thereof a cam contact portion which comes into contact with a cam which is provided on a camshaft and which has a high lift cam profile; an outer tube coaxially disposed inside the tappet casing; an inner tube coaxially disposed inside the outer tube so as to be axially slidable and circumferentially rotatable; and a helical spring which is disposed between the inner tube and the tappet casing and which constantly urges the inner tube in a direction of increasing an amount of axial displacement of an intake valve. A ramp groove with which pins of the inner tube are engaged is an arcuate groove having a curve of secondary degree. Collision noises in low lift mode are thus arranged to be adequately absorbed. Silence at a low engine speed can therefore be secured and the number of parts is reduced and the weight of the VVL apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: A deactivation hydraulic valve lifter includes an elongate lifter body having a substantially cylindrical inner wall. The inner wall defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. An elongate pin housing includes a substantially cylindrical pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore therethrough. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the inner wall of the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner wall of the lifter body. A plunger having a substantially cylindrical plunger wall with an outer surface is concentrically disposed within the pin housing such that the outer surface of the plunger wall is adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of the pin housing wall.

Abstract: An engine has switching valve actuators with positive valve lash for actuating or deactivating valves of deactivation cylinders and conventional valve actuators with negligible valve lash for actuating valves of conventional cylinders. Cams for the deactivation cylinders have increased opening and closing ramps relative to cams of the conventional cylinders. This can lead to poor combustion quality at idle and light loads and result in perceived engine roughness by an operator. To compensate for this, timing of exhaust cams of the deactivation cylinders is advanced relative to those of the conventional cylinders to reduce valve overlap of the deactivation cylinders to sufficiently near that of the conventional cylinders to provide stable combustion at idle in both conventional and deactivation cylinders with nearly equivalent power operation of all the cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection (18) between a shaft end (14) of a gas exchange valve (1) of an internal combustion engine and a final control element (2) of a valve actuator (4), with at least two shell-shaped wedge-shaped pieces (22, 24), surrounding the shaft end (14) and braced on the final control element (2), whose radially outer circumferential surface extends conically and which are surrounded by at least one conical clamping sleeve (26) whose radially inner circumferential surface extends complimentary to the cone angle of the wedge-shaped pieces (22, 24), wherein on the radially inner circumferential surface (38) of the wedge-shaped pieces (22, 24) and on the radially outer circumferential surface (40) of the shaft end (14) of the gas exchange valve (1), protrusions (42) and recesses (44) that mesh with one another are provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster has a plunger assembly the outer end of which can be moved inwardly until the inner end abuts a seal and closes a high pressure chamber, thus preventing further movement. This accommodates any necessary movement of a valve towards its closing position to ensure proper closure. Consequently, net-shaped cams wherein the base circle is not necessarily accurately concentric may be used. A leaf sprung ensures opening of the chamber when the base circle of the cam is next reached.

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