Abstract: A finger lever that is shaped without cutting having two side walls (5, 6), which are connected in a first end area (1) by a lower wall (4) in a U-shape which opens upwardly, is provided with a bearing surface for a gas exchange valve (11) that is formed by the side walls (5, 6) being adjacent to each other axially in the second end area (2) so that a separation plane (13) is formed in a longitudinal center plane (12) of the finger lever.

Abstract: A brake actuating lever for a bicycle comprises a body made in one piece of thermoformable material, reinforced with long structural fibres. To the anchoring pin for anchoring the brake actuating cable there is associated a metal bush having one portion deformed on the anchoring pin so as to connect the latter rigidly to the lever.

Abstract: A tappet socket assembly for a rocker lever assembly or other lever assembly includes a retainer, a tappet socket, and a ball bearing. The rocker lever is adapted to be rocked about a pivot axis and includes a cylindrical opening or bore which partially receives the ball bearing. The retainer includes a cage provided by a plurality of legs and a cylindrical side wall insert. The side wall is secured within the cylindrical bore and press fitted therein by the ball bearing. The ball bearing exerts radially outward force on the retainer to secure the ball bearing and retainer to the rocker lever. The tappet socket includes a spherical concave recess that closely receives the ball bearing to provide a ball and socket joint and a flat engaging face for transferring the force of the rocker lever to a valve crosshead. The tappet socket is retained in the cage between the legs.

Abstract: An incubator or drying oven is provided having a housing bounding a useful space. The useful space communicates with the exterior through a front opening. An inner door is hingedly mounted to the housing and is configured to selectively cover the front opening. An outer door is also hingedly mounted to the housing and is configured to selectively cover the inner door. Mounted on the housing adjacent to the front opening is a locking element. The locking element has a slot formed on the side thereof. A latching assembly is mounted to the inner door. The latching assembly includes a hub rotatably mounted to the inner door about a first axis, a tongue projecting from the hub and configured to be received within the slot of the locking element, and a handle attached to the hub opposite the tongue. The handle is rotatably connected to the hub about a second axis that is substantailly perpendicular to the first axis. A spring continually biases the handle away from the inner door.

Abstract: A bellcrank mechanism (52) for applications in which unequal transverse forces (F.sub.i, F.sub.o) act on the two legs of a bellcrank support clevis includes a bellcrank bracket (64), a bellcrank (54) having a support clevis (56), and a set of bearings (84a, 84b) having unequal load bearing areas (99a, 99b). The bearings are installed in apertures (80) in the support clevis and are axially clamped to the support bracket to pivotably and transversely support the bellcrank so that relative pivotal motion occurs at the interface (102a, 102b) between the exterior surface (99a, 99b) of each bearing and the perimeter surface (100a, 100b) of the corresponding clevis aperture (80). The bearing having the larger load bearing area is aligned with the larger transverse force and the bearing with the smaller load bearing area is aligned with the smaller transverse force to improve the durability and reliability of the bellcrank mechanism.

Abstract: A rocker arm or finger lever (1) formed without machining (by a non-cutting shaping process) which has a U-shaped profile in cross section over almost its entire length which is open toward the top or the bottom, whereby the rocker arm or finger lever (1), in its end region in which it contacts a valve shaft end, is constructed double-walled.This rocker arm or finger lever (1) is distinguished in that the double-walled section or at least a strap (13) projecting over the longitudinal extension of the rocker arm or finger lever (1) is formed on an upper wall (10) which is bent under and lies between its two side walls (11, 12).A lever configured in this manner can be manufactured economically and has a good rigidity despite the reduced material used.

Abstract: A process and an adjustable circuit using a joystick activated controller constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention to provide balanced forward and reverse directional regulation of bidirectional motors oppositely deployed to cooperation in the propulsion of an item of equipment. The joystick responds to the hand of a human operator to regulate the operation of a pair of motors driving opposite sides of an item of equipment along a path of travel. By operating the joystick, the operator can adjust the speed and the forward and reverse directions while trimming the motors or actuators to allow the piece of construction equipment to travel a straight path, or alternatively, to enable the operator to toggle the joystick to guide the equipment during its operational performance, along a path of varied direction.

Abstract: An agricultural baler for picking up crop material and forming it into a rectangular shaped package, having a main frame, and an engine mounted on the main frame for operating the baler. The engine includes a throttle, and remotely located controls for changing the condition of the throttle between idle and full open to selectively operate the baler plunger rate from the cab of the towing vehicle, e.g., a tractor or a pickup truck. A control system for the throttle utilizes an electric reversible directional motor assembly having input terminals and an output shaft rotatable at a predetermined speed and direction under conditions where a predetermined voltage at a predetermined polarity is applied across such input terminals. Rotation of the output shaft is translated to pivotal motion of a lever that is coupled to the throttle.

Abstract: A driving crank for a windshield wiper system, wherein the crank lever is made of deep-drawn sheet metal. The crank lever has a rear part and a circumferential edge beaded towards one side of the rear part. At one end, the crank lever has an opening with an edge beaded towards the same side so as to form an inner cone. To prevent the inner cone from expanding and to reliably transmit high torques between the driving crank and the shaft to be secured in the opening, and vice-versa, the inner cone is expanded from the rear part.

Abstract: The invention provides a new roller-type cam follower for transmitting valve-opening impulses from an overhead camshaft of an internal combustion engine. The follower has an integral, one-piece cold-formed cam follower body with a U-shaped, cam-facing cross-section at a support end of the follower which rides on a valve lifter post. Added height is provided by the combination of an inverted U-shaped cross-section of the movable, valve-engaging end of the follower with a separate insert secured into its section. The insert can be arcuate or spring-like and can be attached to a movable end of the cam follower or can be a cup-like insert attached to a support end of the follower. A cam follower with novel oiling structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism which can be set to three different strokes for a gas exchange valve includes a finger lever actuated by a control cam with a single lift curve, with the finger lever being selectively connectable to a longitudinal guide in the region of its bearing member via incorporation of a piston that is movable in various positions. In a first coupling position of the piston, the bearing member is fixed to the longitudinal guide so that the finger lever executes a maximum pivot during the lift phase of the cam. In a second coupling position of the piston the finger lever is moved axially along the longitudinal guide during a complete cam lift so that the opening cross section of the gas exchange valve is smaller than in the first coupling step. In a third coupling step of the piston, the finger lever executes an idle stroke-pivoting movement on its point of contact on the gas exchange valve which remains closed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rocker arm includes blanking a piece of plate to obtain a base material for forming a rocker arm body, the base material being substantially U-shaped in plan view and having two protrusions which are substantially in parallel with each other. The base material is bent until the two protrusions are confronted substantially in parallel with each other, to provide a pair of side walls having a coupling portion between the side walls. Next, the coupling portion is curved between the side walls to provide a valve engaging portion, and the free end portions of the side walls are fixedly secured to the side walls of a pivot engaging member which is a plat plate having a semi-spherical portion formed by drawing.

Abstract: The invention provides a rocker arm and a method of making it having a cold formed steel body including parallel side walls and a bearing housing in the form of a sleeve attached to the side walls and defining a through opening to receive needle bearings. The sleeve has surfaces resistant to gas hardening so that after the arm has been subject to gas hardening only the main body is hardened leaving the sleeve unaffected. A method of making the rocker arm according to the invention includes preparing a sleeve having a surface which is resistant to gas hardening and which is unaffected by brazing temperatures; attaching the sleeve to the arm by brazing; and gas hardening the completed arm at a temperature less than the brazing temperature.

Abstract: A finger follower arm is provided for mounting on a support post to transmit oscillatory motion from a cam to a poppet valve to cause the valve to move linearly between open and closed positions. The arm has a support post end including a downwardly open domed socket for engagement on the support post and an upstanding peripheral wall. A tappet valve end defines a downwardly open channel having parallel side surfaces and a downwardly facing bearing surface between the side surfaces for engagement with said poppet valve. A pair of upstanding spaced-apart side walls extend between the support post end and the tappet valve end and blend into the peripheral wall which extends continuously between the side walls to rigidify the support post end. A method of manufacture is also described.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly for an internal combustion engine has a removable valve stem locating member at one end thereof to locate the rocker arm relative to the valve stem during assembly of internal combustion engine, and a lubricating fluid directional control member at another end thereof for directing lubricating fluid from the pivot member, such as a hydraulic lash adjuster, toward the cam/rocker arm interface to provide lubricating fluid thereto. Once assembled, the valve stem locating member may be removed to further reduce the overall mass of the rocker arm assembly.

Abstract: A rocker arm with a roller made with a metal plate and utilized in a valve actuating system of an engine is provided. The roller mounting rocker arm includes a rocker arm body (11) having a pair of side walls (11c) and a connecting portion 12 for connecting the side walls (11c), a roller (7) mounted between the side walls (11c), a pivot engageable recess (12a) formed on the connecting portion by drawing, and a valve stem receiving portion (14) formed at the other end of the side walls (11c). This roller mounting rocker arm has a high rigidity and is suitable for mass-production, and low cost is realized.

Abstract: A control arm arrangement for a road vehicle brake lever (1) comprises a control arm (3) pivotally connected to the brake lever and an anchor bracket (4) for attachment to an underframe part (2) of the vehicle. Facing ends of the control arm and the anchor bracket are provided with flanges (10, 11), so that the closely cooperating ends are U-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: A roller lever (1) of a casting material configured as a finger lever for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine and comprising a first end portion (2) and a second end portion (4) connected to each other by side walls (7, 8) whose central portions (6) define a free space (9) in which a rotatably mounted supporting roller (10) is guided, said side walls (7, 8) comprising, in a region of the supporting roller (10), circular ring-shaped running surfaces (13, 14) facing the free space (9), the roller lever (1) further comprising a mold parting line (15) resulting from manufacture in a casting mold having a mold parting, characterized in that the mold parting line (15) between two halves of the casting mold extends outside of the running surface (13, 14) along a peripheral contour (16) of the running surfaces (13, 14) and a roller lever of a casting material configured as a rocker arm for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, one end region of the roller lever being a fork-shaped region for rece

Abstract: A rocker arm for a valve train of an internal combustion engine has a cam travel surface for a cam support, a recess for a hydraulic valve-play adjusting element and a rocker arm shaft located therebetween. The rocker arm consists of higher-strength chilled cast iron in a first area around the cam travel area, that has a greater hardness than the second and third areas around the rocker arm shaft, which are composed of nodular cast iron, and around the cylindrical recess that is cast into the rocker arm.

Abstract: A rocker arm formed by pressing includes: a rocker arm body substantially U-shaped in section which is made of a plate material; and a roller rotatably supported between the side walls of the rocker arm body substantially at the middle, the rocker arm body having a semi-spherical pivot engaging portion at one end, and a valve engaging portion at the other end. In the rocker arm, each of the side walls has a pivot-side portion beside said pivot engaging portion which is smaller in wall thickness than the remaining.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a valve control system of the type which includes a first rocker arm engageable with a poppet valve, a second rocker arm mounted for pivotal movement relative to the first rocker arm and engageable with a cam lobe, means for selectively interconnecting the rocker arms, and means biasing the first rocker arm into engagement with the valve and the second rocker arm into engagement with the cam lobe, wherein the adjusting mechanism limits the extent of relative pivoted movement between the rocker arms. In a preferred embodiment the biasing means is a compression spring acting between the first and second rocker arms and the adjusting mechanism includes a threaded member coaxial with the spring and acting on the arms to control the spacing of the arms along the axis of the spring.

Abstract: A controller comprises a valve body having a valve element and a valve seat defining a fluid cannel openable and closable with a reciprocating upward and downward movement of a valve stem, a casing fixed to an upper portion of the valve body, an operating rod provided in an upper inside portion of the casing upwardly and downwardly movably, a drive device for moving the rod upward and downward, and a transmission device provided in a lower inside portion of the casing for transmitting a force acting on the rod to the valve stem.

Abstract: A lever-operated connector is connected together by using a lever. The lever has pins. The connector housing includes positioning notches for positioning the pins of the lever to insert, slanting guide surfaces arranged beneath the notches for elastically deforming the lever according to inserting the pins into the slanting guide surfaces, and bearing holes arranged beneath the slanting guide surfaces for receiving and pivotally supporting the pins of the lever.

Abstract: Two support arms of a bearing support member extend in opposite directions, each support arm having an overlying bearing cup engageable with a rocker arm. A bearing sleeve is mounted over each support arm between the respective bearing cup and the bearing support member to provide an inner raceway. Each bearing sleeve has sufficient radial clearance with respect to the respective support arm such that the bearing sleeve precesses with oscillation of the rocker arm. Rolling members within an annulus formed between the bearing support member and each bearing cup allow the rocker arm to freely oscillate rotatably with respect to the bearing support member.

Abstract: A bearing support member has two support arms extending in opposite directions along an axis. A bearing cup extends over each support arm and into a bore of the rocker arm and has a radially outwardly extending protrusion engageable with the rocker arm to limit axially outward movement of the bearing cups. A radially inwardly extending protrusion of the bearing cups abuts rolling members between the bearing support member and the bearing cups to limit axially outward movement of the rolling members. A stepped bearing sleeve and pedestal may be provided to limit axially inward movement of the rolling members. During assembly, components are inserted through an opening in the rocker arm intersecting the bore.

Abstract: A control structure is provided for the swash plate of a hydraulic transmission pump. The structure is adapted to return the swash plate to its neutral orientation and thereby prevent creep or slight movement in the vehicle when the transmission is returned to neutral. The structure takes the form of a tapered hub adapted to be accurately mounted on a tapered swash plate control shaft and configured to be precisely received in a compatably shaped control lever. The lever, in turn, is actuated by the operator foot pedals and returned to its neutral setting by a V-type neutral cam locator. The hub is produced through a powder metal process and with its unique configuration for being mounted in a lever recess can be utilized with a variety of lever shapes and configurations to permit its use in a variety of vehicles and hydrostatic transmission models.

Abstract: A follower for translating rotational motion of a cam into reciprocal motion of an intake or exhaust valve is disclosed. The follower comprises a first portion adapted to be pivotably mounted on a follower shaft and a second portion adapted to contact a cam surface. The first and second portions form a generally V shape. The first portion includes a bottom and a pair of side walls connected to the bottom. Each of the side walls has a hole therethrough, and the holes are coaxially aligned to accept the follower shaft. The second portion includes a first end connected to the first portion and a second distal end which contacts the cam surface. Also disclosed is a method of making a follower from common sheet metal.

Abstract: An integral windshield wiper arm having a pivot, a crank, and a blade mount communicates fluid from a reservoir beneath a cowl to a windshield wiper blade above the cowl. The pivot has a sealed cavity running its length. The cavity in each of the crank and the blade mount fluidly connect with the cavity in the pivot.

Abstract: A bearing support member has two support arms extending in opposite directions along an axis and is adapted for mounting about a stud means. A bearing cup is fixed to the rocker arm, extending over each support arm. Rolling members are provided within an annulus formed between the support member and the bearing cups such that the rocker arm is free to oscillate rotatably with respect to the bearing support member. The bearing cups have a bottom surface forming an interference fit, axially, with an end surface of the bearing support member such that a preload is applied to the bearing support arm to reduce and control axial play. A protrusion and cutouts facilitating the preload and a method of assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Two support arms of a bearing support member extend in opposite directions, each support arm having an overlying bearing cup engageable with the rocker arm. Rolling members within an annulus formed between the bearing support member and the bearing cups provide free rotary oscillation of the rocker arm with respect to the bearing support member. At least one support arm has a crowned surface such that radial load is distributed along the length of the rolling members when misalignment of elements of the rocker arm assembly occurs. A bearing assembly for mounting within a rocker arm is also disclosed.

Abstract: Two bearing cups are rigidly mounted on side portions of a rocker arm and extend over respective arms of a bearing support member. Rolling members within an annulus formed between the bearing cups and the bearing support member permit the rocker arm to oscillate rotatably with respect to the bearing support member. Each bearing cup has a stepped bottom surface with a first bottom portion engageable with ends of the rolling members to limit axial movement of the rolling members and a second bottom portion, offset axially with respect to the first bottom portion, engageable with stop surfaces to limit axial movement of the rocker arm with respect to the support member. A bearing assembly for mounting within a rocker arm is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shift lever mechanism for an engine starter for translating axial movement of the plunger of a starter solenoid into axial movement of a starter drive pinion. The shift lever mechanism has a retainer that has two axially extending spaced arms. Each arm has an opening that is defined by a circular portion and a radially extending slot. A shut lever is pivotally supported by the retainer. The shift lever has opposed bosses that are respectively located in the openings in the arms. The bosses have radially extending ribs that are located in the slots. The slots and ribs allow the shift lever to be assembled to the retainer in only one proper orientation of the shift lever relative to the retainer.

Abstract: A rocker arm of the cam-follower type simultaneously operates two valves of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The rocker arm includes an intermediate portion and two end portions. The intermediate portion has upwardly extending side walls and end walls forming a large generally rectangular opening at the top edges thereof. The side walls have aligned holes carrying an axle on which is rotatably mounted a roller which contacts an overhead cam. One end portion of the rocker arm has a downwardly-facing recess to engage an upper end of a lifter post. The other end portion of the rocker arm has a long, narrow web with downwardly-facing pads near the ends thereof and in predetermined, spaced relationship. The pads engage upper ends of two valve stems for simultaneously operating valves to which the stems are connected.

Abstract: A crank lever for loom linkages, comprising a body of high-strength aluminum plate with a central hole and grooves on the inner and outer body faces adjacent the hole. A central annular rotation and thrust-bearing hub of steel surface-hardened by heat treatment is inserted into said hole and locked therein by simple compressive plastic deformation of its outer annular edge facilitated by the grooves.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for high pressure use has a metal diaphragm which is actuated into and out of direct engagement with a valve seat by an air operator acting through a force multiplying lever assembly. The valve seat is confined by rigid interior and exterior sleeves while the sealing surface is contoured to have a concave configuration corresponding to the contour of the diaphragm in its deflected position. The air operator is provided with a stroke adjustment mechanism that is locked in adjusted position by a member that is generally accessible only when the operator is disconnected from the valve.

Abstract: A two-armed lever which can be used as a rocker arm in the valve mechanism of a combustion engine has a central portion defining a rectangular passage for reception of a cam-actuated bearing on the rocker arm shaft. The first arm of the lever has a cupped motion receiving first portion which receives the complementary head of a push rod, and a second portion having an H-shaped cross-sectional outline and located between the cupped portion and the walls surrounding the passage in the central portion of the lever. The other arm of the lever has a first portion provided with an arcuate surface serving to transmit motion to the shank of an exhaust valve, and a second portion having an H-shaped cross-sectional outline and disposed between the first portion of the second lever and the walls surrounding the passage.

Abstract: A cylinder head assembly is disclosed for an internal combustion engine which has a cylinder head with a reciprocal valve member. A rocker arm is pivotably positioned in the cylinder head in a low and compact manner for actuation of the valve member. Camming surfaces are located between a rotatable shaft and an interior surface of the rocker arm. In a preferred form, the rocker arm has a yoke shaped body formed by an elongated top bar and an enclosed loop hanging down from the bar to define an internal cavity for camming contact with a cam member at a lower portion of the loop to effect a dragging action of the rocker arm in a manner substantially parallel to the valve member.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for high pressure use has a metal diaphragm which is actuated into and out of direct engagement with a valve seat by an air operator acting through a force multiplying lever assembly. The valve seat is confined by rigid interior and exterior sleeves while the sealing surface is contoured to have a concave configuration corresponding to the contour of the diaphragm in its deflected position. The air operator is provided with a stroke adjustment mechanism that is locked in adjusted position by a member that is generally accessible only when the operator is disconnected from the valve.

Abstract: A one-piece, cold-formed rocker arm is of the boat-type. It includes a one-piece metal body which is cold formed from a metal blank and is of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration throughout most of its length. The rocker arm body has two generally parallel side walls and a connecting bottom wall therebetween. The body also has inwardly-extending side walls extending from the parallel ones toward both ends of the body. The bottom wall extends between the side walls and has an opening for receiving a pivotal support, a recess for receiving a push rod at one end, and a pad for engaging an end of a valve stem at the other end. An elongate stiffening member extends between upper edges of side walls and specifically between the inwardly-extending side walls extending toward the push rod end of the body. The stiffening member preferably is a rod received in notches in the upper ends of the edges of the side walls and affixed thereto by resistance welding.

Abstract: A bearing support member, mountable about a support stud, has two support arms extending toward side walls of a rocker arm. A bearing cup is rigidly mounted on each respective side wall and extends over the respective arm of the bearing support member, providing an annulus. Rolling members within the annulus permit the rocker arm to freely oscillate rotatably while being constrained axially. The bearing cups may include a keyed shape to limit orientation of the bearing support member. Another aspect of the invention is a rocker arm subassembly having "open" bearing cups.

Abstract: A safety interlock system is provided for enabling ascend or descend interrupt of an automotive lift platform. A interface of negative rake sinusoidal shaped surfaces is employed together with an assembly for selectably placing such surfaces against each other during descent interrupt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rocker arm assembly for an internal combustion engine comprising an elongate rocker arm having a pushrod engaging portion proximate one end, a valve stem engaging portion proximate its other end, and a socket-forming recess inbetween the ends with an aperture therethrough, retaining stud means extending through the aperture, part-ball-means retained on the stud means within the socket-forming recess forming with the recess a ball-in-socket type coupling of the rocker arm and stud means for relative articulated movement, the improvement wherein a plurality of ball bearings are arranged in a part spherical array to bear loading beteeen the recess and the part-ball means. By providing either of the recess or the part-ball member with a part spherical bearing surface, the ball bearings may be coupled to the other in a spherical array.

Abstract: In a sheet-fed rotary printing machine having a sheet-turning device including a gripper cylinder and an adjusting member extending in axial direction of and axially displaceable on the gripper cylinder for changing-over a gripper on the gripping cylinder, a clamping device for the adjusting member, includes a preloaded spring, clamping members disposed on both sides of and in vicinity of axial ends of the adjusting member and being displaceable radially to the gripper cylinder, and a pressure bar axially movably guided in the gripper cylinder and biased by a reaction force of the spring in a clamping direction for firmly clamping the clamping members via respective intermediate elements radially towards the gripper cylinder.

Abstract: A rocker arm has a cold-formed, one-piece metal body of generally U-shaped cross section throughout most of its length. The body has a bottom wall and two generally parallel side walls which extend upwardly therefrom and are structurally integral therewith. The rocker arm body has a recess at one end to engage an end of a push rod and a surface at the other end to engage an end of a valve stem. The side walls of the body have aligned circular openings therein through which a cylindrial bushing extends and is affixed to the side walls by brazing or the like. For a pedestal mount, the bushing has an elongate opening facing downwardly to receive a pedestal and has a large upper opening for clearance around a portion of the pedestal. Small oil reservoirs are formed between the bottom wall of the rocker arm body and edge portions of the bushing adjacent the large upper opening.

Abstract: A sley drive for a loom has a shaft which is eccentric to an axis of rotation in order to provide partial weight balancing for the pivoting movement of the sley. Sley levers are mounted on the sley shaft with each having a clip-shaped part for clamping about the shaft by a screw which passes through legs of the sley levers on the side of the reed relative to the axis of the rotation. Intermediate bearings may also be secured to the sley shaft in the same manner as the sley levers.

Abstract: A rocker arm assembly and support bridge assembly for use with internal combustion engines, having a base support and shaft bearing means for mounting a pair of oscillating rocker arms. A bridge support member spanning the pair of rocker arms and having bolt means for mounting the bridge support member to the base support, whereby said shaft bearing is disposed between said base support and said bridge support, said bolt means arranged on said support bridge assembly such that approximately one hundred percent of the force exerted by the bolt means is imposed on the shaft bearing member. Unique concave hold-down bolts are used to mount the base support to the cylinder head.

Abstract: A bearing support member and bearings form a subassembly that can be inserted, in the direction of the axis of the bearings, into a bore of a rocker arm. A support stud can then be passed through an aperture in the rocker arm and a bore in the bearing support member so as to engage the rocker arm and maintain alignment of the rocker arm and bearings. Also disclosed are an inner sleeve and particular configuration of the bearing support member to facilitate manufacture of the bearing support member by powdered metal forming.

Abstract: A cast rocker arm for operating the valve train of internal combustion engines characterized by its light weight and use of anti-friction bearings to reduce frictional forces and increase engine mileage. The cast construction produces a light weight, and includes a box or channel cross-sectional configuration to achieve high strength with a minimum of material.

Abstract: A cam follower device which is incorporated in a valve driving mechanism for an engine to contact the outer peripheral surface of a cam secured to a cam shaft that rotates synchronously with a crankshaft of the engine, thereby transmitting the motion of the cam to a valve that opens and closes a suction port or an exhaust port in the enigne. A ring-shaped member which contacts the cam is formed from a ceramic material, and this ceramic ring-shaped member is rotatably supported around a steel shaft. The clearance between the inner peripheral surface of the ceramic ring-shaped member and the steel shaft is set within a specific range, thereby preventing the occurrence of problems, for example, noise, arising due to a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the two members and thus improving the high-speed follow-up performance of the cam follower device.

Abstract: The rocker arm bearing assembly has a rocker arm which oscillates on a bearing support member and an associated pair of bearings. The bearings are self-contained units with an outer race, an inner race, and multiple rollers positioned between the two races. Full-complement radial bearings are preferably utilized. The bearings are supported on the bearing support member to form an integral unit which can be dropped into the rocker arm. This allows for speedy assembly of the rocker arm with the bearing and support member unit.