Abstract: A flapper valve for push-in snap-lock attachment to a spud to be welded to a fuel tank and attached to a flexible filler tube hose. The flapper has an annular flexible seal overmolded thereon, preferably of elastomeric material. The flapper has a pair of trunnions, one of which has an extension or spindle with a torsion spring received thereover with one end of the torsion spring slidably anchored to a post on the flapper to form a flapper subassembly. The opposite end of the torsion spring is deflected to fit in a slot or groove in the body when the trunnions are snapped into slots formed by deflectable fingers formed integrally on the exterior of the tubular valve body for pivoting the flapper. Deflector vanes are provided on the upstream side of the flapper to protect the seal from the end of a siphon hose.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve having a modular design that allows the release pressure of the valve to be altered during assembly is provided by the present invention. The valve includes a serrated valve tube that fits inside of a valve body. A spring retainer ring fits on an outside diameter of the serrated valve tube such that it is held in position by interacting with the serrations. The release pressure of the valve is altered by changing the position of the spring retainer ring on the serrations. In addition, a variety of different spring types and configurations can be utilized in conjunction with the spring retainer ring position to select one of a large number of different release pressures for the valve during assembly.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve device for reducing noise resulting from an internal collision of a movable core against a guide member has a fixed core, a cylindrical movable core, a valve member, for reciprocating in an axial direction of the movable core in a cooperative manner with the movable core to open and close fluid paths, coil sections for forming a magnetic field by electrical conduction thereof to attract the movable core to the fixed core so as to move the movable core in the axial direction, and a guide member having a guide wall for guiding the movable core in the axial direction from inside of the movable core in its radial direction. A space is formed inside the guide wall in its radial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite component, in particular a valve (10), and to a method for producing the composite component.

Abstract: An enclosure for outdoor equipment, which can prevent the enclosure from being damaged by a rise of air pressure inside the enclosure by exhausting air from the enclosure, and further can secure safety of the enclosure and can secure easiness for fixing an inside air pressure adjusting mechanism to the enclosure and also can prevent a dew condensation from occurring in the enclosure, is provided. The enclosure for outdoor equipment provides an inside air pressure adjusting mechanism. The inside air pressure adjusting mechanism provides a valve seat and a valve element which is seated on the valve seat in a state that the valve element can be opened and closed by placing a sealing component between them. The inside air pressure adjusting mechanism is inserted to a hole of the enclosure for outdoor equipment, in which an electronic circuit is disposed, and fixed so that the inside air pressure adjusting mechanism does not stick out largely from the front surface of the enclosure for outdoor equipment.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus including a housing, a valve disposed in the housing, the valve having a first shoulder, a retainer disposed between the housing and the valve spool, the retainer having a second shoulder, a biasing member disposed between the first and second shoulders, and a metallic seal interface between the housing and the valve. The valve may be constructed with no dynamic elastomeric seals to reduce hysteresis.

Abstract: Hydraulic valve with a valve chest (1) provided with a substantially cylindrical internal chamber (5) which may be closed by a valve disc (9) which with its conical rim (9?) engages the facial rim of the internal chamber (5), an insert member (3) being arranged in a section of the internal chamber (5) and structured as a member of sprocket-like cross-section with circular gaps (3?) between teeth forming valve passages (4) with the internal wall of the chest, the valve disc stem (6) permeating the insert member (3) being a one-piece structure and provided with a safety nut (7).

Abstract: A solenoid-valve-controlled fuel-injection pump for internal combustion engines, in particular diesel engines, has a solenoid valve, whose valve needle separates a high-pressure region from a low-pressure region, i.e. connects the high-pressure region and low-pressure region, in the pump housing, via a valve seat; the injection period being controlled by the opening of the solenoid valve. In addition, a low-pressure compensating piston situated in the low-pressure region is provided in order to compensate for pressure fluctuations in the low-pressure region. The exceptional feature is that the low-pressure compensating piston, which is positioned coaxially to the solenoid-valve needle, takes the form of a component part that is separate from the solenoid-valve needle. This ensures that the solenoid valve is opened unhindered and as rapidly as possible by the opening force exerted on the solenoid-valve needle by the electromagnet.

Abstract: A valve shaft seal includes a reinforcing ring having a cylindrical section extending over a certain axial length and possessing an outer diameter, a sealing element disposed on the reinforcing ring, and a valve spring supported on a radially extending end section of the reinforcing ring. To support the valve spring on the radially extending end section of the reinforcing ring, the radially extending end section extends radially farther inward in the direction of the axis of the valve shaft seal than the outer diameter of the cylindrical section of the reinforcing ring.

Abstract: A valve for a fuel delivery unit has a counterholder pressed into a housing. A spring is supported on the counterholder and is intended for prestressing a closing part against a valve seat. The valve according to the invention can be fitted in a particularly simple manner.

Abstract: A check valve for a compressed gas system. The valve has a body with an internal passage extending through the body and a valve seat positioned in the passage. A poppet is movable between a closed position in which the poppet engages the seat to block flow of gas through the passage and an open position in which the poppet is spaced from the seat to permit flow of gas. A retainer mounts the poppet in the passage and guides movement of the poppet. A spring urges the poppet to the closed position such that the poppet is responsive to pressure of the gas exceeding a predetermined value to move the poppet away from the seat against the urging of the biasing member and to the open position.

Abstract: In an electronically controlled throttle apparatus, a coil spring is shaped to extend from a U-shaped hook portion which is a joint between a first spring portion having a returning function and a second spring portion having an opening function to the other end of the second spring portion. A coating of a lubricant is provided on a sliding contact area between the inside circumferential surface of the coil spring and the outside circumferential surface of the second spring inside circumferential guide. Thus, the sliding resistance in relative motion between the coil spring and the second spring inside circumferential guide can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A rotary actuator for a valve includes a cam mechanism for transmitting opening force to a movable valve member to move the valve member off a valve seat, against the bias of a closing spring. The cam mechanism does not transmit spring force to the valve member when the valve member is being moved to the closed position or is in the closed position. Also, the parts of the cam mechanism have a large surface area of contact when the valve is in the open position, to minimize unit loading of the cam surfaces. The movable cam is movable axially relative to the actuator handle. The movable valve member is blocked from rotation relative to the valve body. The cam mechanism does not transmit spring force to the movable valve member when the valve member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly includes several protrusions or bumps on the bottom of a spring seat flange or on a spring wear washer surrounding the seal. The protrusions can be either cast formed or machined in place. In described embodiments, the protrusions are adapted to engage corresponding depressions, holes, or receptors in a cylinder head deck surface against which the flange or wear washer abuts. A positive mechanical anchor is thereby created for resisting any torque applied to the flange or washer through mechanical vibration induced rotation of the valve spring. Sliding contact is thereby avoided at the interface between the flange or washer and the cylinder head, and wear is prevented. Use of one disclosed embodiment will require that the cylinder head manufacturer provides a cylinder head that includes several small depressions or apertures in the valve spring seat area that correspond with the disclosed protrusions or bumps.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow having a chamber of non magnetizable material having an inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, a magnetizable armature having a valve closure member, an electromagnetic drive for moving the closure member from one end to the other of a path defined by the chamber. A seating is provided at each end of the path within the chamber, each seating being complementary to the external surface of the closure member, so that the closure member is a snug fit in each seating. A permanent magnet and pole pieces create two opposite, spaced apart powerful magnetic fields in each of which the flux extends across the chamber perpendicular to the direction of movement of the closure member, and a solenoid surrounds the chamber, which when energized creates a second magnetic field, in which the flux is parallel to that of the permanent fields.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnet valve including a valve housing in which a valve closure member is movably guided, a magnet armature fitted to the valve closure member and executing a stroke movement in the direction of a magnet core arranged in the valve housing in dependence on the electromagnetic excitation of a valve coil fitted on the valve housing, and a spring which, in the electromagnetically non-excited valve position, positions the magnet armature at a defined axial distance from the magnet core so that the magnet armature is separated from the magnet core by an interspace. In addition to spring, a spring element that has a non-linear, preferably progressive characteristic curve acts on the magnet armature, the said spring element counteracting the magnet force.

Abstract: A valve spring assembly includes a hollow valve spring plate and a locking element retained by a retainer both received in the interior of the hollow valve spring plate. The locking element is removable from the valve spring plate while the retainer is received by the valve spring plate.

Abstract: A check-valve fixing structure includes a base body formed with a passage in which a check valve is inserted, a receiver formed in the passage, and a flange formed with a socket member of the check valve and engaged with the receiver when the check valve is inserted in the passage. With the flange being placed on a valve-seat member of the check valve and abutting on the receiver, the base body is crimped at an opening end of the passage to fix the socket member and the valve-seat member to the base body.

Abstract: An electromechanical linear actuator that contains an electric servo motor mounted within a compact housing. A thermally conductive path of travel is provided to efficiently transfer heat out of the housing into the surrounding ambient. A further mechanism is provided for holding the stator windings of the motor in undisturbed contact with the inner wall of the housing when the motor is subjected to thermal stress. The motor is arranged to linearly position a push rod through means of a ball screw unit. The ball screw nut and the push rod ride on bearings within guideways to insure that the push rod tracks along a linear path of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.

Abstract: A check valve for a piston pump of a traction-controlled vehicle brake system includes hollow cylindrical valve seat part and a disk-shaped valve closing body, which is embraced by a spring clip and is secured to and guided against the valve seat part. The invention has the advantage that the check valve can be simply and inexpensively manufactured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnet valve including a valve housing in which a valve closure member is movably guided, a magnet armature fitted to the valve closure member and executing a stroke movement in the direction of a magnet core arranged in the valve housing in dependence on the electromagnetic excitation of a valve coil fitted on the valve housing, and a spring which, in the electromagnetically non-excited valve position, positions the magnet armature at a defined axial distance from the magnet core so that the magnet armature is separated from the magnet core by an interspace. In addition to spring, a spring element is interposed between the end surface of the magnet armature and the end surface of the magnet core.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly includes an elastomeric sealing member for sealing between a reciprocally moveable valve stem and an associated valve guide in an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a cylindrical retainer that incorporates an end wall at a first end thereof for securing the elastomeric sealing member to the retainer. The valve assembly is installed over the valve guide, and the retainer is adapted for frictional securement to the guide, whereas the retainer extends down to and engages the surface or deck of the associated engine cylinder head. The retainer includes a radially extending bottom flange at a second end opposite the end wall, wherein the flange bears directly against the cylinder head deck. The upper surface of the flange provides a bearing surface for valve return springs, while the bottom surface of the flange includes an elastomeric sealing media bonded thereto.

Abstract: Low pressure fuel led from a fuel tank to a fuel injection pump is pressurized and sent out to a common rail that accumulates the pressurized fuel therein. A one-way valve that allows the low pressure fuel led from the fuel tank to flow into the fuel injection pump and prevents a fuel flow in a reverse direction is installed in the fuel injection pump. A supporting member for supporting a spring that biases a valve member in a direction to close the one-way valve is coupled to the valve member without using a rigid mechanical connection. The biasing force of the spring is received by a wide contacting surface of the supporting member, thereby reducing abrasion wear of the contacting surface.

Abstract: Damping valve for a shock absorber includes a damping valve body with at least one valve seat surface for a valve disk which is loaded in the lifting direction by a flow of damping medium. At least one support disk arranged on the valve disk determines, by its contour, a lever arm up to an effective surface to which pressure is applied by a damping medium in the lifting direction, and this support disk is pretensioned in direction of the valve disk by a tensioning plate, wherein the damping valve body forms a line of tensioning with the valve disk, support disk and tensioning plate, wherein at least one of the contact surfaces within the line of tensioning is profiled, so that there is a contact circle at the support disk, and the radius of the contact circle matches the provided reference dimension for the contour of the support disk determining the lever arm length.

Abstract: In a device for restoring a rotary member to a defined basic position, having a three-dimensionally fixed fixation cam that predetermines the basic position and having a slaving cam, which is coupled with the rotary member and is movable past the fixation cam, of which cams, each has one stop face each on sides facing away from one another, and having a clamp spring, which embraces the cams with prestressing by way of two bent-away spring legs, in order to achieve a freedom of play in rotation between the spring legs and the cams in the basic position, at least one spring leg is countersunk, with at least one leg segment, in at least one of the cams so far that in the basic position, with a leg segment fitting over the other cam, it rests without play on the stop face of the other cam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for pressure regulation, having a housing (11) and a closing body (12) received axially movably therein, wherein the housing (11) has at least one pressure medium inlet (21) and one pressure medium outlet (22), and the closing body (12) is prestressed by a helical spring (14) against a valve seat (11′) in the housing, and at least one compensation means for the helical spring (14) is provided. The invention provides that as the compensation means, a compensation element (15) disposed between the closing body (12) and an end, oriented toward the closing body (12), of the helical spring (14) is provided, which is braced resiliently in the radial direction on the inner wall of the housing (11) and, with its central region (15′), is in preferably frictional-engagement contact with the closing body (12).

Abstract: A valve-operating mechanism includes cam followers carried on an engine body 1 with their tip ends being in sliding contact with the cam, rocker arms integrally connected to the cam followers and carried on the engine body coaxially with said cam followers with their tip ends being connected to valves, and valve springs for biasing the valves in closing directions. In the valve-operating mechanism, auxiliary springs are connected to the cam followers for biasing and turning the cam followers in the same directions as directions in which the valve springs bias and turn the rocker arms through the valves. Thus, a couple of forces generated over the axis of the cam follower and the rocker arm due to biasing force of the valve spring can be offset in a valve-closing process.

Abstract: A lightweight engine poppet valve that has a valve head portion made from a lightweight, heat resistant material is attached to a hollow tube stem portion. The attachment is made with a mechanically locking interfitting joint on an extending portion of the valve head at a preselected distance. Preferably, the mechanically locking interfitting joint is a hydroformed joint.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for a vacuum pump includes a valve head displaceable substantially perpendicular to a flow direction of a fluid through the valve arrangement, a valve seat, and a valve spring for biasing the valve head into a flat abutment engagement with the valve seat, with the valve spring being formed of at least one substantially hollow body made of an elastomeric material.

Abstract: A pressure regulator having a disc spring. The pressure regulator comprises a valve having a movable device that is positioned to control fluid flow through the pressure regulator. Downstream fluid pressure produces a first force acting on the movable device to close the valve to block fluid flow through the pressure regulator. The disc spring produces a second force that acts on the movable device to open the valve to enable fluid to flow through the pressure regulator.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.

Abstract: A proportional flow control valve, for controlling fluid flow through a flexible tube, includes first and second jaws on opposing sides of the tube. An actuator drives one of such jaws for adjusting the separation distance therebetween. When the valve is open, the separation distance is small enough to partially deform the tube without significantly restricting fluid flow. When the valve is closed, the separation distance is just small enough to essentially block fluid flow. A control system controls the actuator to determine such separation distance. Such valve can be used within a level control system for controlling the thickness of a work material in a slurry form cast upon a moving belt. A fluid reservoir is disposed above the belt, and the control valve adds slurry to the reservoir. A lens disposed near the moving belt and above the reservoir is coupled by fiber optics to a remote sensor for detecting the height of the slurry.

Abstract: Actuated bypass valves for use in swimming pool systems are disclosed. The valves automatically bypasses a swimming pool heating unit except when the heating unit is placed into service. The disclosed valves reduce the energy requirements of the circulation pump when the heating unit is bypassed. The valves comprise a tee-shaped valve body. Flow within the valve body is controlled by a sliding plate which slides relative to a stationary plate, where the sliding plate and the stationary plate each has a plurality of openings. Means for actuating the valves may comprise a 24 VAC solenoid. Minimal travel of the sliding plate is necessary for the valve to open from a minimum flow area to a maximum flow area. Methods for utilizing the disclosed valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ortho-planar spring has a platform (14) movably coupled to a base (10) and being movable linearly with respect to the base along at least a portion of an axial direction (22) perpendicular to both a base surface and a platform surface. A resilient and flexible connecting structure (18) is connected to and between the base and platform. The connecting structure is bendable to develop (i) an axial force along the axial direction to bias the platform in a stable position with respect to the base, and (ii) non-axial forces which substantially sum to zero to preserve the orientation of the platform with respect to the base. Thus, the spring is very compact and does not have rotation between the deflecting ends. The spring may be associated with a valve opening (213), and a button (214) for restricting flow through the valve opening, to bias the button at a position with respect to the valve opening.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly includes an elastomeric sealing member for sealing between a reciprocally moveable valve stem and an associated valve guide in an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a cylindrical retainer that incorporates an end wall at a first end thereof for securing the elastomeric sealing member to the retainer. The valve assembly is installed over the valve guide, and the retainer is adapted for frictional securement to the guide, whereas the retainer extends down to and engages the surface or deck of the associated engine cylinder head. The retainer includes a radially extending bottom flange at a second end opposite the end wall, wherein the flange bears directly against the cylinder head deck. The upper surface of the flange provides a bearing surface for valve return springs, while the bottom surface of the flange includes an elastomeric sealing media bonded thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure regulator for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, in which a pressure difference prevailing between a pressure inlet and a pressure outlet can be kept essentially constant by opening and closing at least one valve, which valve includes a valve closing member forced into the closing position against a valve seat by the action of a valve closing spring. The valve spring is formed by means of at least one pivotably supported valve leaf spring, and an arm, toward the valve seat in terms of the pivotable bearing means, of the valve leaf spring is braced on the valve closing member, and an arm of the valve leaf spring located on the side opposite the valve seat is braced on a support body, in such a way that a torque equilibrium prevails at the valve leaf spring.

Abstract: An electronic throttle body uses a spring and an insert to generate a force tending to oppose the motion of opening a throttle. The insert locates and centers the coils of the spring and also acts during assembly to place the proper amount of torsion on the spring and the throttle body system. Once a throttle body motor or other force ceases to exert force against the spring, the spring causes the throttle to close.

Abstract: A relief valve with two outlet ports increases the flow capacity of the valve when open. In an alternative embodiment, a relief valve with two outlet ports also has at least two springs stacked vertically. Alternative seal assemblies can be used with the aforementioned dual outlet port valves.

Abstract: A check valve is provided to maintain fluid flow in a single desired direction through a conduit. The check valve requires a greater fluid pressure to open the check valve to allow fluid to pass in a desired direction than an amount of pressure required to keep the check valve in its open position. This variable opening force performance is provided by providing a closure arm exerting a closure force on a flapper urging the flapper toward its closed position. Contact between the closure arm and the flapper occurs between a follower on the closure arm and a cam surface on the flapper. A contour of the cam surface on the flapper, and especially a hump on the cam surface causes the closure arm to exert a variable amount of force on the flapper depending on the position of the flapper. When the flapper is closed a relatively large amount of force is exerted on the flapper. When the flapper is open a relatively smaller amount of force is exerted on the flapper by the closure arm.

Abstract: A valve for a fuel delivery unit has a counterholder pressed into a housing. A spring is supported on the counterholder and is intended for prestressing a closing part against a valve seat. The valve according to the invention can be fitted in a particularly simple manner.

Abstract: A spring locating body (36) is a substantially annular shape formed with an annular recess (38) and a radially inner circular hole (40) that extends through the spring locating body (36). The spring locating body (36) is a substantially rigid plastically deformable material such as nylon. Extending radially outwardly from the spring locating body (36) are four limbs (42). The limbs (42) are equally spaced around the spring locating body (36) at intervals of 90°. Extending away from the rear surfaces of each limb (42) is a deformable rib (44). Each rib (44) extends across the respective limbs (42) in an arc about the central axis (46) of the spring locating body (36). The ribs (44) have a triangular cross-section the apex of which is distant from the limb (42). Alternatively, the ribs (44) can be in the form of a plurality of cone shaped nibs extending in a direction away from the surface of the respective limbs (42).

Abstract: The object of the present Invention is to provide an expansion valve including a pressure sensor which enables reduction of parts cost. A pressure sensor is screwed into an opening of a body block, which communicates with a space accommodating a valve element and a compression coil spring for urging the valve element toward a valve seat. A set value for an expansion valve is adjusted by changing the amount of screwing of the pressure sensor to thereby change the load of the compression coil spring. An adjusting screw for adjusting the set value for the expansion valve can be dispensed with, which makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the expansion valve.

Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly for an internal combustion engine includes an elastomer seal body and a metal retainer adapted to hold the seal body in place over a valve guide. The circumferential seal body includes an aperture containing at least one radially inwardly directed sealing lip adapted to engage an engine valve stem to minimize escape of oil lubricant from the engine, particularly along a path between the valve guide and the reciprocally moving valve stem. The seal body contains an annular exterior groove adapted to receive an end wall in the upper extremity of the retainer. The retainer, formed of spring metal, comprises a cylindrical body containing a plurality of axially depending resilient fingers. The bottom extremities of the fingers have inwardly turned ends adapted to mechanically engage a circumferentially disposed groove or a step of a boss formed in the exterior cylindrical surface of the valve guide.

Abstract: An improved adjustable fluid flow regulator having a regulator chamber, a moveable diaphragm within the regulator chamber, a spring that acts upon the diaphragm to regulate the flow of fluid, and a first adjustment member and second adjustment member for adjustably biasing the spring against the diaphragm. The improvement includes a tamper resistant feature for restricting adjustment above a predetermined limit. The first adjustment member is fully adjusted to a limit. The second adjustment member is adjusted to bias the spring to a predetermined maximum setting, and restricted from further adjustment. The first adjustment member would subsequently be adjustable to any setting up to the predetermined limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a variable flow regulator adopted to provide accurate flow rates at low flow and ultra low flow rates. The regulator comprises a wide-range flow regulator for low fluids flow, comprising a housing divided into a first and second chambers by means of an elastic diaphragm. The chamber is provided with a fluid inlet and an outlet connected to a labyrinth path.

Abstract: A flow quantity control valve includes second spring holder that is fixed within housing and holds one end of valve spring which is located on a side of valve disk. The second spring holder is a roughly cylindrical member made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than that of the housing 1 made of cast iron; and is composed of roughly circular internal bottom, stay portion that is a body portion extending from the outer periphery of the internal bottom and surrounding the valve spring, a through hole formed in a center of the internal bottom and having a larger internal diameter than the external diameter of surrounding wall constituting another through hole of the housing and flange portion radially and outwardly extending from a upper part of the stay portion and having a roughly rectangular periphery portion.

Abstract: An rear end surface of a slide guide plate 12 extending rearward beyond a valve disc 6 is configured to abut against a rear step surface when the valve disc 6 is moving in a valve-opening direction, thus regulating a movement amount of the valve disc 6. This prevents the spring 7 from entering such an excessive compressive state that in a valve-opened state it is fully compressed. As a result, even in a case where the spring 7 is made of a synthetic resin, deterioration, due to stress relaxation, in a springing force can be suppressed, to suppress deterioration in a pressing pressure onto the valve disc 6 in the valve-closing direction, thus maintaining stable check valve functions.

Abstract: A valve shaft seal includes a reinforcing ring having a cylindrical section extending over a certain axial length and possessing an outer diameter, a sealing element disposed on the reinforcing ring, and a valve spring supported on a radially extending end section of the reinforcing ring. To support the valve spring on the radially extending end section of the reinforcing ring, the radially extending end section extends radially farther inward in the direction of the axis of the valve shaft seal than the outer diameter of the cylindrical section of the reinforcing ring.

Abstract: A bias element which urges the valves in an internal combustion engine into their closed positions and includes a pair of arms and a bight portion connecting the two arms. Each arm has an aperture therein with at least one arm having an aperture that is keyhole-shaped, or having a first portion and second portion that is larger than the first portion. The arm which has the keyhole-shaped aperture is in operative biasing engagement with the end portion of a valve stem and the keyhole-shaped aperture engages the valve stem in that the first portion of the aperture lockingly engages the neck portion of the valve stem. The other arm is engages the shank portion of the valve stem.