Abstract: A valve train layout for an overhead valve engine uses a single camshaft actuating two inlet valves and a single exhaust valve. The two inlet valves are preferably aligned on an inner side of a cylinder with the exhaust valve on an outer side. The inlet valves are preferably actuated by a cam follower and single push rod driving a rocker arm with dual arms and separate lash adjusters actuating the inlet valves. The exhaust valve is preferably actuated by a cam follower with a lash adjuster driving a single push rod operating a primary rocker arm that drives a secondary push rod pivoting an exhaust rocker arm to actuate the exhaust valve. In one embodiment, the primary rocker arm for the exhaust valve pivots on a common axis with the intake rocker arm. In an alternative embodiment, the primary rocker arm pivots on a canted pivot axis.

Abstract: To provide a valve system for an engine, in which a valve stem for an engine valve is slidably fitted in a guide cylinder provided in a cylinder head. A rocker arm is interlocked to rock with rotation of a camshaft. The rocker arm is also interlocked with the valve stem. With the above construction, local wear, galling, and the like in the guide cylinder can be prevented. Accordingly, the reliability can be improved. A lifter is interposed between a rocker arm and a valve stem. The lifter is formed into a cylindrical shape with a closed bottom and has a diameter larger than an outside diameter of the valve stem. The lifter is fitted in a lifter housing in such a manner as to be slidable in the axial direction of the valve stem. The lifter housing is fixed to a cylinder head.

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: In a valve train (1) of an internal combustion engine (10), a tappet push rod (2) comprises on its first end (3), a tappet (5) and an uncoupling device (8) made as a single component, and on its second end (4), a hydraulic lash adjuster (15) that acts on a rocker arm. Due to this spatial separation of the lash adjuster (15) from the single component (5, 8), a component (5, 8) is obtained that has a reduced mass and a smaller diameter as well as a relatively simple structure. In addition, the lash adjuster (15) can now be supplied with hydraulic medium directly out of the rocker arm.

Abstract: A plurality of modular camshaft follower assemblies of substantially identical construction and configuration are positively connected to a camshaft supporting structure of an internal combustion engine and adjustable to position a plurality of camshaft following lever arms at a proper timing location relative to a camshaft. Conduits in sealed serial communication with shafts pivotally supporting the camshaft following lever arms of the modular camshaft following assemblies deliver fluid flow from an engine block of the internal combustion engine to the camshaft following lever arms. The plurality of modular camshaft follower assemblies are each mounted on the engine through access openings in a side wall of the engine block.

Abstract: An engine valve assembly includes an engine valve (12) connected to an electric motor (30.) The electric motor may be a linear electric motor (34) which includes “rare earth” magnets to infinitely move the engine valve (12) between an open and closed position. Usage of “rare earth” magnets assures that the linear electric motor (34) generates enough force to properly and timely operate the engine valve (12.) The electric motor (30) may alternatively drive a threaded portion (42) of the valve stem (18.) Operation of the electric motor (30) threads the threaded valve stem (18) relative to a threaded support (40) to drive the engine valve (12′) between an open and a closed position.

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 internal combustion engine includes a housing with a plurality of combustion cylinders. At least one of the combustion cylinders has a longitudinal axis which is disposed at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of at least one other combustion cylinder. A camshaft is rotatably carried by the housing and includes a plurality of cams. A plurality of lever lifter assemblies are associated with respective ones of the combustion cylinders. Each lever lifter assembly includes an intake lever lifter, an exhaust lever lifter and a fuel injector lever lifter. Each of intake lever lifter, exhaust lever lifter and fuel injector lever lifter has a roller follower engaging a respective cam. A pivot shaft carried by the housing pivotally carries at least one lever lifter assembly associated with the at least one combustion cylinder and also pivotally carries at least one lever lifter assembly associated with the at least one other combustion cylinder.

Abstract: A push rod includes a rod body and a steel ball bonded to at least one of end faces of the rod body by an electric resistance welding. The rod body 2 is formed from an aluminum alloy. Thus, it is possible to provide a push rod which is lightweight and which can be produced at an inexpensive cost.

Abstract: A push rod operated multi-valve V-type engine particularly adapted for use in motorcycles or like vehicles and which engine is air cooled. The engine employs a very simplified construction and overhead valve actuating mechanism utilizing push rods. The push rods are contained within push rod tubes formed at one side of the engine that provide a neat appearance and ease of servicing without adversely affecting the air cooling. A composite cylinder head construction is employed, as well as an improved lubricating system for the pair of driven camshafts. Furthermore, a decompression system is incorporated in the valve actuating mechanism so as to facilitate starting.