Abstract: A system for controlling the seating of an engine valve is disclosed. The system is designed to bring a hydraulically actuated engine valve to a soft landing on its valve seat. The velocity of the engine valve is reduced as it approaches its seat by progressively throttling the escape of hydraulic fluid from a chamber. The chamber is pressurized as a result of the valve approaching its seat. Accordingly, as the valve approaches its seat, the pressure in the chamber increases, causing the force that opposes the closing motion of the engine valve to increase.

Abstract: A lifter assembly for an internal combustion engine, including an elongate sleeve having an upper radial wall portion provided with oil feed and oil bleed holes through which oil respectively enters and exits the lifter assembly. An elongate, hollow lifter body closed at one end is reciprocatingly disposed within the sleeve, and has a plunger reciprocatingly disposed therein. The plunger has an internal cavity at least partially defining a low pressure oil reservoir which is in at least periodic fluid communication with the oil feed hole. A high pressure oil reservoir is at least partially defined by the plunger and the lifter body closed end, and is in one-way fluid communication with the low pressure oil reservoir. A cap is reciprocatingly disposed within the sleeve and engaged with the plunger. Seals are provided which preclude oil from exiting the lifter assembly through the ends of the sleeve.

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

Abstract: A mechanical oil filtration and oil flow re-direction system for a hydraulically actuated valve lifter. Pressurized oil is directed to the lifter through a series of controlled clearance passages prior to gaining access to the internal cavity of the lifter. Once inside the lifter, the oil is deflected off of an insert that directs the oil towards the upper end of the lifter and the push rod seat. The oil flow is then directed downwards into an oil deflector supply hole and into the internal cavity of the lifter and the chamber containing the lifter check ball and seat. In use, the system restricts particulates from the lifter, and re-directs particulates that do access the lifter to pre-determined locations within the lifter to minimize operational impairment of the lifter from particulate contamination.

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: The present invention is directed to a system for operating at least one exhaust valve of an engine. The engine has at least two engine operating conditions. The system in accordance with the present invention includes an energy supply assembly for supplying energy to operate the at least one exhaust valve during one of the at least two engine operating conditions. The system may further include an energy transfer assembly for transferring the energy from the energy supply assembly to operate the at least one exhaust valve. A valve actuating assembly is also included for actuating the at least one exhaust valve in response to operation of the energy transfer assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator for operating an engine valve, which includes a means for controlling the seating velocity of the valve. The design allows for free, unrestricted movement of the actuator piston during opening of the engine valve, and an unrestricted return of the piston and valve until the valve is within a predetermined distance of the valve seat. Once within this predetermined range, the return velocity of the actuator piston and engine valve are limited by the rate at which a fluid may escape through a restriction. The restriction is calibrated to provide the desired maximum valve seating velocity. The invention also provides for automatic lash adjustment.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster includes a leak down land and a support land that are substantially cylindrical. The support land is substantially coaxial relative to the leak down land, and at least a portion of the support land is disposed radially opposite the leak down land.

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 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 inner surface and 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: The invention proposes 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). The slide (12) can be displaced electromagnetically or hydraulically in at least one direction.

Abstract: A switchable, hydraulic support element (1) requiring only a small design space is proposed. For achieving this, a bore (16) for a slide (23) is arranged laterally of a pressure piston (10) of a hydraulic clearance compensation element (11) in the inner element (7) and is configured as a pocket bore. This dispenses with the stacked arrangement of the bore in the inner element and the clearance compensation element on top of each other as seen in prior art. At the same time, the slide (23) is installed in a housing (19) that extends in the cylinder head (5).

Abstract: An engageable cam follower (1) for acting on a pushrod in the valve train of an internal combustion engine is provided. This cam follower (1) includes of a thin-walled hollow cylindrical housing (2) in whose borehole (3) is positioned an internal element (4) axially movable with respect to the housing (2). The housing (2) and the internal element (4) each possess a radial borehole (13, 10) aligned in a relative position to each other. Positioned in the radial borehole (10) of the internal element (4) is a piston (11) having a convex end (14) and movable toward the radial borehole (13) of the housing (2) for coupling the internal element (4) with the housing (2) in the relative position. According to the invention, the borehole (3) ofthe housing (2) is shaped in the area ofthe radial borehole (13) of the housing (2) as a flattening (15) extending in the longitudinal direction of the cam follower (1).

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 solenoid valve device includes an engine valve which can move in an axial direction thereof, an armature which moves with the engine valve, an electromagnet which attracts the engine valve so that the engine valve moves in the axial direction, and a zero-lash adjuster mechanism which is interposed between the engine valve and the armature. Thus, the solenoid valve can positively actuate an engine valve between a fully closed position and a fully opened position without formation of a clearance between the engine valve and the armature. A current supplied to the electromagnet may be set in accordance with a value which is related to a relative position of the armature and the electromagnet.

Abstract: A valve drive mechanism includes a generally cylindrically shaped tappet assembly (24) comprising a center tappet (41 ) and a side tappet (42). The center tappet (41 ) has a circular-arcuate side walls (41c) formed with vertical side shrouds (41d) at opposite sides of each side wall (41c) which overlap and slide contact with opposite end guide walls (42h) of the side tappet (42), respectively. When the tappet assembly (24) is in an unlocked state so as to transmit rotation of the side cams (25, 27), the vertical side shroud (41d) of the center tappet (41 ) slide on the vertical side walls (42h) of the side tappet 42 so as thereby to guide slide movement of the center tappet (41 ) relative to the side tappet (42).

Abstract: In a device for actuating a gas exchange valve for internal combustion engines, having at least one compensating element which is arranged in the force path of an actuating element of the gas exchange valve and which has a pressure space which is formed by a piston and a working cylinder and is connected to a pressurized fluid supply space via a non-return valve and a throttling portion, via which pressure fluid can be discharged from the pressure space during the working cycles. The pressure space is sealed to the outside, and the compensating element includes a high-pressure valve, via which pressure medium can be discharged in a throttled manner during the working cycles of the gas exchange valve as the high-pressure valve opens at a predetermined force on the compensating element and closes at a predetermined force which is greater than an average force and smaller or equal to a maximum force on the compensating element.

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: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve-play compensation element. The aim is to prevent any change in the length from taking place when the engine is at a standstill. To this end, the leakage oil is guided into the space between the high pressure valve (4) and the valve (5), where it then reinforces the sealing effect of valve (5). When the engine is in operation, the valve (4) is kept open irrespective of the direction of throughflow by means for producing a defined force, for example, a pressure-loaded piston or by electromagnetic means.

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

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator for the actuation of the intake or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine, in which an oscillating arm has a first end hinged on a support frame secured to the head of the engine and a second end in abutment 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 this valve between a closed position and a position of maximum opening; the frame being connected to the head of the engine so as to be able to oscillate about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the axis of movement of the intake or exhaust valve and the electromagnetic actuator further being provided with a device for adjusting the position of the frame with respect to the head, which is adapted to rotate, on command, the frame about the axis of rotation so as to maintain the mechanical play between the second end of the oscillating arm and the upper end of the stem of the valve at a predetermined

Abstract: In a device for operating a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine having an electromagnetic actuator including a valve opening magnet and a valve closing magnet, between which there is arranged an armature which, together with an opening spring, engages a valve stem against the force of a closing spring, and a hydraulic play-compensating element is arranged in the valve operating force transmission structure, the hydraulic play-compensating element is installed in the transmission structure together with a mechanical adjusting element providing for minimal valve play when the engine is shut down.

Abstract: A switchable cam follower (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, which valve train can be actuated indirectly by tappet push rods, the cam follower comprises an outer and an inner section (4,5) end for switching-off the cam follower (1) from the cam lift, the inner section (5) is pivotable relative to the outer section (4) during a valve lift phase of the cam.

Abstract: A switchable cam follower (1) of a valve train of an internal combustion engine, a stop means (19) extending between the axially relatively displaceable components, housing (2) and inner element (6), of the cam follower (1), a first component of the stop means (19) being a locking element (15) fixed in a reception (12) of the inner element (6), the locking element (15) extends radially outwardly into a slot (18) which is a further component of the stop means (19) and slot (18) has an upper end (20) which defines an upper end stop whereby the locking element (15) extends over a substantial part of half a length of the reception (12) in the inner element (6) and, at the same time, penetrates to the largest possible extent through the housing (2) in the region of the slot (18) which guarantees an excellent fixing of the locking element (15) in the housing (2) which is maintained through the entire life of the cam follower (1), and is further assured that component loading resulting from abutment is only slight.

Abstract: A tappet (1) for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine is so designed as to be switchable for different valve lifts and includes an outer circular ring shaped section (5) which encloses a circular section (6). Both sections (5, 6) are acted upon by cams of different lifts, and selectively interconnectable together by coupling elements (9). According to the invention, a juncture (12) for hydraulic fluid is positioned in the skirt (2) and extending from a feed bore (13) in the cylinder head (4) at a lowest point of the tappet (1), when viewed in direction of gravity, in order to install the tappet (1) in an extreme slanted disposition. In opposition thereto, a port (21) of the channel (27), following the juncture (12), is arranged at a highest section of the tappet (1), when viewed in the direction of gravity.

Abstract: A C-clip retainer is provided in a groove of a piston, such as for an engine hydraulic valve lash adjuster, to allow installation and removably retain the piston in a cylinder of an associated assembly. The groove has a novel shape including an inner surface that is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the piston to provide a larger groove diameter at a first axial end surface and a smaller diameter at an opposite second axial end surface of the groove. Upon installation, the clip is urged into the smaller diameter, allowing easier installation, but upon removal the clip is expanded by forcing it to the larger diameter, thereby increasing the retention force on the piston. The first axial end surface may also be formed with a back angle that reduces forces of the associated cylinder edge that tend to compress the retainer into the groove, thus further increasing the piston retention force.

Abstract: A valve deactivator assembly (47) especially for use with a push rod (23) type of valve gear train, the deactivator assembly (47) preferably comprising a roller follower, engaging the engine cam (19). The deactivator includes an outer body (53), driven by the cam (19), and an inner body (61) which transmits cyclical motion to the push rod (23), when the body members are latched (FIG. 2). The inner body member (61) defines a latch chamber (93), oriented radially, and aligned therewith is a circular opening (97) defined by the outer body member (53). A compression spring (107) biases a latch member (99) toward the latched condition (FIG. 2). An end surface (111) of the latch member (99) is in communication with an engine oil passage (P), and a relatively higher pressure in the passage biases the latch member (99) toward an unlatched condition (FIG. 3), in opposition to the compression spring (107).

Abstract: A switchable cam follower (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, which valve train is actuated by tappet push rods, the cam follower (1) comprises an outer section (4) and an inner section (5) which are adapted to be switched off through a coupling device (22) by the lift of a loading cam, a locking device (27) associated with the coupling device (2) and cooperates with a single track on the cam, the locking device (27) prevents displacement of the coupling device (2) outside of a defined part of the base circle phase of the cam.

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

Abstract: A hydraulic tappet (5) comprises an inverted cup-shaped element with an upper disk (51), welded to a cylindrical body (52) of the tappet which is internally provided with a flange (54), forming a tubular guide sleeve (55) for the axial movement of an internal assembly comprising a movable reservoir portion (57) for low-pressure oil. The tappet has interposed, between an internal surface (51s) of said upper disk (51) of said tappet (5) and a rim (57) of the reservoir portion, an elastic device (A), comprised of two elements (10,20), in order to achieve a rapid recovery of lift loss of said tappet (5) so as to improve the contact between the cam (2) of the cam shaft (1) and the disk (51) of the tappet (5). One result is to eliminate undesirable, early opening of the poppet valve (4) whenever the fuel injector cam (6) deflects under load.