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: A deactivating hydraulic valve mechanism includes a hydraulic element assembly disposed within a pin housing slidably disposed within a bore in a body. A transverse bore in the pin housing contains selectively-retractable locking pins that engage a groove in the body to selectively lock together the body and the pin housing. A lost motion spring is disposed in an annular chamber between the body and the pin housing. An oil passage from an engine gallery to the hydraulic element assembly includes an axial component and bypasses the lost motion chamber. A ring holds the lifter assembly together and also sets mechanical lash. The ring may be provided as a standard-thickness ring and a shim selected to provided a predetermined amount of mechanical lash in the assembled mechanism to ensure facile engagement and disengagement of the locking pins in the body.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve lifter assembly including a lifter body and a cam follower. The cam follower is mounted to an end of the lifter body wherein the lifter body has a first diameter over a first body portion for engaging a wall of an engine bore. The lifter body also including a second diameter smaller than the first diameter over a second body portion supportive of the cam follower. The hydraulic valve lifter assembly further including a contiguous annular transitional chamfer between the first and second diameter portions of the lifter body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drag lever (1) comprising two side walls (2, 3) which are connected together by a transversal bar (4) which is arranged on an end (6) of the lower side (5) thereof on an end (6) thereof on a head of a support element (9) by means of a dome-shaped cavity (7) on a head (8) of a support element (9). A clamp (10) is applied to the end (6) thereof. The clamp fixes the drag lever (1) to the head such that it can be displaced in a pivoting direction thereof. The clamp (10) is made of thin-walled wire material and extends essentially in a transversal manner in relation to the longitudinal axis of the drag lever (1) and is arranged on the lower side (5) of the transversal bar (4) by means of a central section (11) which is formed by webs (12, 13) which extended in a semi-circular manner in a part of the support element (9) which has a reduced diameter (14) and is located below said head (8).

Abstract: The invention proposes a switching element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, particularly for valve deactivation, with a simple-to-implement measure for adjusting the coupling lash of its coupling means (8) in a receptacle (6) using two retaining rings (19, 20), one of which is stocked in a variety of thicknesses.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with variable actuation valves, each variable actuation valve is actuated by an actuator assembly including an actuating piston slidably mounted in a guide bushing. Between the actuating piston and the stem of the respective valve is interposed an auxiliary hydraulic tappet comprising a first bushing and a second bushing positioned inside the first bushing in such a way as to define a first chamber between the second bushing and the actuating piston, and a second chamber between the two bushings of the hydraulic tappet. The first chamber is fed a pressurized chamber of the engine lubrication loop. A check valve controls a communication between the two chambers of the tappet, to allow the passage of fluid in the direction of the second chamber.

Abstract: A switch element (1) is proposed for valve shut-off, fabricated as cam follower for a plunger rod valve drive of an internal combustion engine, having an outer part (2) and an inner element (4) axially movable in its bore (3) and with rotational security (15) relative to the guided inner element (4). The outer part (2), inside the bore (3), has an annular groove (6), and the inner element (4) has a radial bore (7) with two diametrically opposed pistons (8), which to couple the elements (2, 4) in their axially remote relative position achieved by a lost-motion spring (5) are displaceable towards the annular groove (6). On their cam-side under side, emanating from their radially outward, bulbous face, the pistons (8) segmentwise comprise a plane transverse surface as contact area for a facing under side (27) of the annular groove (6). The latter is intersected by two diametrically opposed oil ports (11) running offset 90° from the pistons (8) in circumferential direction.

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: The invention relates to a hydraulic tappet clearance compensation device (1) for a valve gear of an internal combustion engine, the high pressure chamber (8) of which device can be rapidly and easily vented. For this purpose an annular collar (11) has radial openings (16) distributed over the circumference of its pressure piston (5). These allow air bubbles, which accumulate between an outer shell of the annular collar (11) and a bore (3) of a housing (2), to escape to a bore (9) for a non-return valve (10) and hence directly into the open. There is therefore no need for venting via a leakage gap (13) between the pressure piston (5) and the housing (2), which has hitherto yielded only unsatisfactory results.

Abstract: A reverse spring hydraulic valve-lash-adjusting element for the valve train of an internal combustion engine having a plunger (1), in the plunger head (2) of which a control valve (5) is arranged, this control valve (5) controlling a central axial bore (6) which connects a low-pressure space (4), arranged above the plunger head (2), to a high-pressure space (3) arranged below the plunger head (2), the control valve (5) having a valve-closing body (7) which is loaded in the opening direction by a valve-body spring (17) and as a result passes from a cylinder-ring-shaped sealing surface (8) arranged on the plunger head (2) to a travel-limit surface (9) of a center piece (24), whereas the closing of the control valve (5) is effected by displacement of oil from the high-pressure space (3) into the low-pressure space (4) wherein the valve-closing body (7) reaches the sealing surface (8) on a linear path without lateral movement or rotation of said valve-closing body (7) by virtue of the fact that a circular-cylindr

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with variable actuation valves, each variable actuation valve is actuated by an actuator assembly including an actuating piston slidably mounted in a guide bushing. Between the actuating piston and the stem of the respective valve is interposed an auxiliary hydraulic tappet positioned outside the guide bushing of the actuating piston, so that said bushing can be dimensioned with a relatively small diameter, regardless of the outer diameter of the auxiliary hydraulic tappet. The intake valves of a same cylinder are actuated by a single cam, by means of a single pumping piston and by means of a single pressure chamber controlled by a single solenoid valve.

Abstract: An adjustable hydraulic valve lifter has a lifter body and an internal cylindrical body. The lifter body has a first longitudinally cylindrical internal bore and a first substantially closed lower end, and the internal cylindrical body is axially slideable and rotatable within the first longitudinally internal bore, forming a first oil chamber. A first spring is positioned to bias the internal cylindrical body away from the lifter body. A first oil flow path permits the flow of oil into the first oil chamber through a first check valve. An oil outlet in the lifter body adjacent the first substantially closed lower end allows oil to escape from the first oil chamber as controlled by an oil control recess in an outer surface of the internal cylindrical body.

Abstract: A limited leak-down variable duration lifter and its adjustment is provided to maximize performance gains at low engine rpm when used with a conventional cam and more particularly with a conventional hi-performance camshaft. The increased performance gains were here-to-for unobtainable with conventional variable duration lifters and the conventional adjustment. By utilizing an adjustable valve train to precisely position the plunger of an accelerated leak variable duration lifter near the bottom of its travel, optimum reductions of lift and duration are achieved without exceeding amounts that would be detrimental to the engine and its valve train. To maintain proper rocker arm geometry, the plunger is positioned closer to its seat in the assembled state by either reengineering the internal dimensions of the lifter, or by providing a spacer or spacers between the plunger and the push rod cup, or plunger and seat.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve lifter including venting means to assure venting of air through the lifter and filling thereof with oil during pre-start filling of the engine oil galleries after engine assembly. Patterning of a hemispherical pushrod seat surface, and/or patterning of either or both of the mating surfaces of a pushrod seat and a piston, permits air purged from the engine through a pushrod to be vented through the lifter. Such means may be temporary or permanent and may include coatings of the surfaces with materials that are destroyed by engine action after starting. Permanent means may include surface grooves in the mating surfaces and/or small-diameter passages between the hemispherical seat surface and the cylindrical outer surface of the pushrod seat. Venting means in accordance with the invention is useful for both valve-deactivating and non-valve-deactivating valve lifters.

Abstract: A deactivation valve lifter includes a lifter body. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine and at least one annular pin chamber. A pin housing includes a pin housing bottom. The pin housing bottom defines at least one pin stop aperture and a radially directed pin bore. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes pin members. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the lifter body. A portion of each pin member may be disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby selectively couple and decouple the lifter body to the pin housing. A drain aperture defined by the pin housing bottom extends from the pin bore to an outside surface of the pin housing. A stop pin is disposed in the at least one pin stop aperture for limiting the inward motion of the pin members.

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: The present invention is directed to a system and method for actuating an engine valve. In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in an engine having at least one engine valve, the system comprising: means for imparting a valve train motion; a first valve actuation subsystem for transferring motion from the motion imparting means to the engine valve, the first valve actuation subsystem capable of providing valve actuation for at least a portion of a main exhaust event during a first engine operating condition, and a full main exhaust event during a second engine operating condition; and a second valve actuation subsystem for transferring motion from the motion imparting means to the engine valve, the second valve actuation subsystem capable of providing valve actuation for an exhaust gas recirculation event during the first engine operating condition.

Abstract: A switchable cam follower (1) or a switchable support element of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said cam follower or support element comprising an outer part (2) which is assembled together with an inner part (4) that is displaceable relative thereto in a direction of cam lift, said inner part (4) comprising, at a parting gap (5) to the outer part (2), two spaced apart or opposing openings (6, 7) for coupling means, each of said openings (6, 7) being aligned, at one cam position, to a further opening (10, 11) for coupling means in the outer part (2), the coupling means being configured and arranged so that, in a coupled state, each coupling means extends beyond the parting gap (5) on one coupling side (12, 13) while simultaneously extending in the opening (10, 6) of the outer and the inner part (2, 4) which in an uncoupled position of the coupling means (14, 15), an axial idle stroke of the coupling means (15) on the one coupling side (12) till coupling is achieved is large and the axial idle

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine provided with valves with variable actuation, each variable actuation valve is controlled by a hydraulic actuator unit through a rocker arm.

Abstract: The invention proposes a coupling mechanism (1) for relatively movable elements (2, 3) of a switchable cam follower (4) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, a high lift being obtainable upon coupling of said elements (2, 3) and a lift smaller than the high lift being obtainable upon uncoupling of said elements (2, 3), a first one (2) of said elements comprising a guide bore (5) for at least one coupling piston (6) which, for achieving coupling, can be displaced partly beyond a parting surface (7) between said elements (2, 3) into an aligned reception (8) of a second one (3) of said elements, wherein upon cam lift and coupling of said elements (2, 3), a contact zone (9) between the piston (6) and the reception (8) is clearly spaced from an edge section (10) of the reception (8) on the parting surface (7). This can be implemented in practice, for instance, through a special “backwards” oriented flattened portion (14) on the piston (6). Material loading on the edge section (10) is thus avoided.

Abstract: A cold advance device for advancing the injection beginning in cold condition diesel engine with single plunger pumps, by means of which the injection onset is adjusted in cold conditions and also in normal conditions. A piston is provided in the roller tappet and the roller tappet moves up and down in response to lubricating oil pressure through a plate valve. The lubricating oil lifts the hydro tappet piston enabling the pump plunger to be in the advance position. The pump plunger is lifted an amount corresponds to 8° to 10° crank angle depending upon the cam profile. The stroke of the piston is limited by a stopper and is designed according to the cold advance requirements of the engine. The plate valve is provided with a throttle hole.

Abstract: A switching mechanism capable of switching between a two-stroke and a four-stroke operation of an engine as desired, wherein the switching mechanism is switchable between engagement with a first cam lobe for four-stroke operation and a second cam lobe for two-stroke operation, the four-stroke operation maximizing fuel and emissions efficiency and the two-stroke operation maximizing power.

Abstract: A switching element (1) for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine is provided, preferably for deactivating a valve. The switching element has an outer section (2), in addition to an inner element (4) that can be axially displaced in a bore (3) of the outer section. The outer section (2) and the inner element (4) are displaced away from one another by action of lost-motion spring elements (5) and can be coupled together in an axially-distant relative position, whereby at least one piston (6), which is situated in a bore (7) that runs transversally through the inner element (4), acts as a coupling element. An annular groove (8), into which the piston (6) can be partially displaced to adopt its coupling position, is located in the bore (3) of the outer section (2).

Abstract: An internal combustion engine that has a camshaft having a plurality of cam lobes, a plurality of valves where each of the valves are actuated by a lifter actuated by the camshaft with a cam lobe. The lifter comprises a lifter body having an upper surface and a lower surface. A cam contact plate pivots on an axis on the upper surface of the lifter body. Opposed hydraulic actuators are present on either side of the axis of the cam contact plate, where each hydraulic actuators comprise a fluid chamber in the lifter body, a piston in the chamber, and a spring biasing the piston into contact with the cam contact plate. The lifter further comprises a line supplying hydraulic fluid to the fluid chambers of the hydraulic actuators and a control valve for controlling fluid flow from one hydraulic actuator to the other hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A multiple cylinder engine is described, provided with an electronically controlled hydraulic system for actuating the intake valves, in which intake valves and exhaust valves are controlled by a single camshaft.

Abstract: A valve lifter is disclosed comprising a lifter housing having a receiver, a switch retainer having at least one bore, and a key disposed in the at least one bore. The key is movable into the receiver to lock the switch retainer against movement relative to the lifter housing.

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: The present invention relates to a connection between a shaft end of a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine and a sleeve-shaped actuating element of a valve actuator, which is guided in an axially movable manner within a pressure region, which is able to be pressurized with a pressure medium, of the valve actuator and at least partially surrounds the shaft end. The present invention provides for the connection to be situated outside of the pressure region and in the region of an opening, which is formed on the side of the valve actuator away from the combustion chamber, and is, for example, coaxial to the shaft end.

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: Described herein is a multicylinder internal-combustion engine provided with an electronically controlled hydraulic device for controlling variable actuation of the valves of the engine. The final phase of the movement of closing the intake valves is slowed down by a hydraulic braking device of an improved type.

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: 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 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 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 valve lifter for an internal combustion engine comprises an outer body, an inner body and at least one pin. The inner body is movable with respect to the outer body, and the at least one pin is movable in response to hydraulic pressure into the groove to lock the outer body against movement relative to the inner body.

Abstract: A cold advance device for advancing the injection beginning in cold condition diesel engine with single plunger pumps, by means of which the injection onset is adjusted in cold conditions and also in normal conditions. A piston is provided in the roller tappet and the roller tappet moves up and down in response to lubricating oil pressure through a plate valve. The lubricating oil lifts the hydro tappet piston enabling the pump plunger to be in the advance position. The pump plunger is lifted an amount corresponds to 8° to 10° crank angle depending upon the cam profile. The stroke of the piston is limited by a stopper and is designed according to the cold advance requirements of the engine. The plate valve is provided with a throttle hole.

Abstract: A valve train with a hydraulic lifter in an engine, and a method of configuring a hydraulic lifter of an engine, are disclosed. The valve train includes a valve, a cam, and at least one coupling component. The valve train further includes the hydraulic lifter, which has a nominal length and is coupled at least indirectly between the valve and the cam by way of the at least one coupling component. The valve train additionally includes a mechanism for varying the nominal length of the hydraulic lifter so that the nominal length is substantially closer to a minimum length of the hydraulic lifter than to a maximum length of the hydraulic lifter.

Abstract: A deactivation valve lifter includes a lifter body. The body defines at least one annular pin chamber therein. The lifter body has a first end configured for engaging a cam of an engine. A pin housing includes a pin housing wall and pin housing bottom. The pin housing wall includes an outer surface. The pin housing bottom defines a radially directed pin bore. The pin housing is concentrically disposed within the lifter body such that the outer surface of the pin housing wall is adjacent to at least a portion of an inner wall of the lifter body. A deactivation pin assembly is disposed within the pin bore and includes pin members. A portion of each pin member is disposed within the annular pin chamber to thereby couple the lifter body to the pin housing. An external lost motion spring is coupled to the body and pin housing.

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

Abstract: In a valve drive for an internal combustion engine, an elongated securing device or anti-rotation bridge referred to as a mounting aid has receptacle spaces, arranged at intervals one behind the other, for receiving respective valve tappets. Each valve tappet can be displaced longitudinally in its receptacle space. The tappet is secured against rotation by two parallel planar keying faces formed on its outer surface which bear against corresponding inner surfaces in a receptacle space of the mounting aid. The mounting aid has receptacle spaces with a relatively small interval dimension between the two inner surfaces for bearing against the keying faces of standard roller tappets and has receptacle spaces with a relatively large interval dimension between the two inner surfaces for bearing against the keying faces of switchable roller tappets.

Abstract: A race car valve lifter for more reliable engine function for a race car. The race car valve lifter includes a tubular member having open first and second ends and a bore being disposed therethrough; and also includes a body being slidably disposed in the bore and through the open first end of the tubular member; and further includes a plug member being removably and securely disposed in the open second end of the tubular member; and also includes a spring member being disposed in the bore of the tubular member for biasing a portion of the body through the open first end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator for gas exchange valves of internal combustion engines is disclosed, in which the lifting of the gas exchange valve from the valve seat is effected with great force. The opening motion of the gas exchange valve then ensues at reduced force. Upon closure of the gas exchange valve, the gas exchange valve is braked before striking the valve seat, so that operation of the gas exchange valve with little wear and little noise can be achieved.

Abstract: A velocity control system for an engine valve is provided. The system includes a valve having a housing defining an opening, a chamber adapted to receive a fluid, a first fluid passageway connecting the opening with the chamber, a second fluid passageway connecting the opening with the chamber, and a third fluid passageway connecting the opening with the chamber. A piston is slidably disposed in the chamber and is moveable from a first position to a second position. The movement of the piston from the first position to the second position forces fluid from the chamber at a first flow rate during movement of the piston through a first travel distance and at a second flow rate during movement of the piston through a second travel distance. The first flow rate is greater than the second flow rate. A check valve is adapted to prevent fluid from flowing from the chamber through the first fluid passageway when the piston is moving from the first position to the second position.

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: Oil metering valve means in a hydraulic valve lifter configured such that a metering plate cooperates with a pushrod seat to meter the flow of oil in a forward direction. The metering means is also conducive to the flow of oil in the reverse direction, permitting an oil reservoir in the lifter to be filled by reverse oil flow, either after assembly of the lifter or upon engine shutdown. Embodiments of such oil metering valve means may include: a metering plate having one or more notches around its periphery to permit oil to flow past the plate and a feature supporting the plate; a metering plate having one or more apertures to permit oil to flow through the plate; a metering plate having one or more nonplanar areas along the edges of the plate to prevent sealing of the plate against the supportive feature; and a metering-plate supportive feature having one or more irregularities, such as grooves, bumps, or undulations to permit flow around the edge of the plate past the irregularities.

Abstract: In an internal-combustion engine equipped with an electronically controlled hydraulic system for variable actuation of the inlet and/or exhaust valves of the engine, the hydraulic system for actuation of the valves includes, for each engine valve, a solenoid valve for controlling the corresponding hydraulic actuator. Each solenoid valve is controlled according to a pre-set control criterion according to the operating parameters of the engine, said pre-set control criterion corresponding to reference operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid and, in particular, to the value of viscosity of the hydraulic fluid, which varies with temperature. The aforesaid control criterion is, however, adjusted according to an estimated deviation between reference operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid and actual operating conditions of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A generally conventional lash adjuster is modified by incorporating a coaxially oriented hydraulic control piston assembly within the guide body. The control piston normally fixes latch means, such a plurality of hard spheres, in multiple detents loaded in compression with the other components, to provide a rigid stop, but when the control piston is hydraulically pressurized, the detents are overcome and the piston assembly provides a resilient or soft stop that accommodates extended displacement (retraction) of the lash adjuster within the guide. The hydraulic actuation is preferably implemented with a three-way solenoid valve or the like, for controlling high-pressure oil to a gallery and associated inlet ports for the control piston assembly. In the typical implementation of the invention, the piston need have only two operational positions-denergized to establish the detent or hard stop condition, or fully energized to establish the valve deactivation position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve lifter body, 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 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.