Abstract: The invention relates to a rocker arm including a roller, a pair of side walls for supporting the roller, a pivot engaging portion and a valve engaging portion, in which the configuration of the valve engaging portion, and the relative position of the roller, the pivot engaging portion, and the valve engaging portion are set with high accuracy. In the rocker arm, the roller, while being in contact with a cam, is rotatably provided between a pair of side walls forming a rocker arm body. The rocker arm body is of a two-piece structure including a first piece which includes: the pair of side walls adapted to support the roller; and a valve-engaging portion through which, as viewed longitudinally of the rocker arm body, first end portions of the side walls merge with each other; and a second piece which is a pivot engaging member fixedly secured to the remaining second end portions of the side walls.

Abstract: A finger lever (1) used together with a camshaft (10) for actuating gas exchange valves (6, 7) of an internal combustion engine, which finger lever for simultaneously actuating two gas exchange valves (6, 7) is configured as a forked finger lever (1) and is supported at one end on a support element (2, 2a) and bears at an opposite end against an end of a shaft of a gas exchange valve (6, 7) the support element (2, 2a) comprising a device for compensating valve clearance, characterized in that a clearance compensation element is arranged on at least one of the ends of the forked finger lever (1) facing the ends of shafts of the gas exchange valves (6, 7).

Abstract: A latch assembly for an engine valve control system wherein first and second rocker arms are selectively latched together to rotate in unison to open the valve in response to the force applied by a cam, or are allowed to rotate independently of one another. The latch assembly includes a slide assembly which is received in surrounding relation to one of the rocker arms and which retains a latch member engageable by the rocker arms. In a preferred embodiment the slide assembly includes a force application surface located along the longitudinal axes of the rocker arms remote from the latch member.

Abstract: The rolling/sliding outer ring of the cam follower apparatus is made to withstand peeling very well, even in severe lubrication conditions, by forming a surface layer in the depth 0 to 50 .mu.m from the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring, such that the maximum residual compressive stress in this surface layer is between 50 and 110 kgf/mm.sup.2, the hardness of this surface layer is between Hv 830 and Hv 960, and the amount of residual austenite in the surface layer is at least 7 volume %, and formed with continuous minute irregularities on the surface with convexities of the irregularities having an equivalent roundness diameter up to 15 .mu.m for the case that the concavities of the irregularities are assumed to occupy 80% of the total surface area, while the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring is superfinished.

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 method of leakproof first filling of a hydraulic valve actuating tappet (1) with hydraulic oil,a) comprising almost completely filling the central oil reservoir (7) together with a high pressure chamber (18) situated axially between the bottom (11) of the pressure piston (10) and the guide sleeve (5), and the annular oil reservoir (17), with hydraulic oil, andb) filling at least the supply bore (19) leading to the annular oil reservoir (17), with a lubricating grease or a pasty material (20) which is flow-resistant at ambient temperature.

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 mounting stud assembly having a rocker arm mounting stud with adjustable rocker arm fixture mounting for use with a matching trunnion. Further provided is a radius roller tip rocker arm providing a third dimension principle by making the contact point of the diameter of the roller tip, a radius, lean on its pivoting access to control misalignment away from a two dimensional plane. A teaching of rocker arm geometry is provided for establishing precision measuring rules to facilitate the correct and precise installation of the rocker arm. Further provided is a one piece stud lock providing a direct pressure method of holding each rocker arm mounting stud with precise force providing overlapping components for retainment of each rocker arm mounting stud in a precision set predetermined position.

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 valve activation device having a linear reciprocating cam shaft having longitudinally extending cam grooves that are engaged by captive cam followers which oscillate up and down in response to sideways reciprocation of the camshaft for activating intake or exhaust valves of internal combustion engines or other devices employing reciprocating pistons and valves. The camshaft is caused to reciprocate by a rotary linear converter of the "yankee" type composed of double helix channel at the extreme end of the camshaft and a rotary collar having two sets of diametrically opposed guide members.

Abstract: A cam follower with a roller for use with an engine, the roller adapted for rolling contact with a cam on a camshaft. The roller is formed with minute recesses arranged in random directions so that an RMS(L)/RMS(C) ratio is not more than 1.0 wherein RMS(L) and RMS(C) are surface roughness root mean square values in the axial and circumferential directions, respectively. An SK value, another surface roughness parameter, should be not more than -1.6. This degree of roughness represents a higher surface roughness than prior art cam followers, provides greater oil retention and therefor better lubrication.

Abstract: A 7-cylinder axial-piston internal combustion engine has a casing (33) inded for connection with a cylinder block (2). Formed in the casing (33) coaxially with shaft (11) is a cavity which receives a drive gear 41 on an end of the shaft (11). The drive gear (41) is in mesh with a gear wheel (42) installed in the casing (33) and kinematically connected to a ring-shaped member (68) having external radial projections (71, 72) and an internal ring gear (83). The member (68) is kinematically connected to actuating members. A zone A of engagement of the drive gear (41) with the gear wheel (42) communicates with a header (54) for oil supply. A zone B outside the engagement of the drive gear (41) with the gear wheel (42) communicates with a source of lubrication.

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 main rocker arm driven by a first cam, and a sub-rocker arm driven by a second cam larger than the first cam, are supported adjacent to each other. A sliding member which moves together with the sub-rocker arm, and a contact piece which comes into contact with the sliding member according to the slide position of the sliding member, are provided on the main rocker arm. The sliding member moves between a position where it is in contact with the contact piece and a position where it is not in contact with the contact piece according to the engine running conditions. The sliding member and contact member are constructed of iron or an iron alloy, while the main rocker arm is constructed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The construction of the cam change-over mechanism is therefore rendered lightweight, and machining of the main rocker arm is rendered facile.

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: In accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention, a disc-shaped contact pad of ceramic material is disposed within a recess formed in the top surface of a metal valve crosshead. The pad is held in the recess by a retainer that clips onto the crosshead. The retainer is designed to maintain only a light pressure on only a narrow shoulder of the pad to keep it seated, and does not, itself, experience any dynamic loading. Furthermore, by the provision of a circumferential clearance between the pad and both the wall of the crosshead recess and the retainer, the need for precision machining of the ceramic material can be avoided. Additionally, a reduction of frictional sliding forces imposed on the crosshead, and in turn upon the valves, by the rocker lever is achieved by the ceramic pad, so that resultant frictional side loading is not imposed on adjacent valve components to a significant extent.

Abstract: An improved rocker arm which is held in positive engagement with a head thrust surface of a cylinder head to avoid the occurrence of pitching of a valve stem end and vibration or noise from a valve-driving system. The rocker arm enables a rocker shaft spring to be set at a reduced load, whereby low friction is realized. An arm thrust surface of the rocker arm is provided with an oil groove having a predetermined depth. The arm thrust surface is positioned against a head thrust surface of the cylinder head. The oil groove communicates with the rocker shaft hole so as to introduce oil outside.

Abstract: The rolling/sliding outer ring of the cam follower apparatus withstand peeling very well, even in sever lubrication conditions, through the steps that on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring, the depth of the surface layer is taken to be 0 to 50 .mu.m, and the maximum residual compressive stress in this surface layer is between 50 and 110 kgf/mm.sup.2, the hardness of this surface layer is between Hv830 and Hv960, and the average wavelength of the very minute protrusions on the surface is less than 25 .mu.m, and the amount of residual austenite in the surface layer exceeds 7 volume %, after processing, while the inner peripheral surface, of the outer ring is superfinished.

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: 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: A finger lever or a rocker arm (4,25,39) for a valve actuating mechanism (1) of an internal combustion piston engine comprising a roller (5) which rolls against the periphery of a cam (3) and is rotatably mounted on a pin (17) guided in side walls (18,19) of the finger lever or the rocker arm (4,25,39) which is provided with a bore (23) directed towards the periphery of the roller (5) and communicating with a lubricant duct (38), characterized in that the bore (23,27,43) has a diameter of .ltoreq.0.5 mm in the region of its smallest cross-section.

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 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 variable stroke mechanism provides a means for varying the stroke and leverage of a linkage between reciprocating power source and crankshaft. The mechanism includes a lever connected at one end to the reciprocating power source and at the other end to the crankshaft with a variable fulcrum point between the two ends. The lever forms a longitudinally extending slot for containing a fulcrum member, the other surfaces of which, while generally cylindrical, secures a series of parallel and equiangularly displaced cylindrical roller bearings. The top of the slot formed within the lever is a flat bearing surface and the opposing bottom surface contains a series of semicircular channels forming a gear train sized and located to successively engage the roller bearings on the fulcrum member and said bearings serving as gear teeth such that rotation of the fulcrum member changes the position of the fulcrum point relative to the lever.

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: An aerator which includes a ground-mobile support and an aerating mechanism pivotally mounted thereon. A rocker arm is mounted on the mechanism for inducing walking action to the tines, and a spring is imposed on the rocker arm for centering or neutralizing the arm when the tines are out of the ground.

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: Apparatus for fixing a member at any angular position to the non-circular cross section of a shaft has an insert formed of a relatively soft material and a clamping element fixed to the member. The insert has a central bore whose cross section matches the shaft section cross section, a circular periphery, and a slot between the periphery and the central bore. The clamping element is formed of relatively hard, rigid material, and has a bore in surrounding relation to the periphery of the insert and conforming to it so as to permit rotation of the member with respect to the insert while the clamping element bore is undistorted. There is at least one tooth on the periphery of the clamping element bore projecting radially inward toward the insert. Preferably the periphery of the clamping element bore is completely knurled instead of having a single tooth.

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: 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: A control device includes a camshaft and a roller resting on a tappet or rocker arm. The roller swivels about itself in a recess which is arranged in the leading part of the tappet or rocker arm and which is fed with pressurized oil. This recess is bordered by a circular semi-cylindrical wall and by the inside walls of two flat lateral flanges.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roller follower for use with an engine. The roller follower incorporates a roller having a surface formed with minute recesses arranged at random so that the average value of the SK value is less than zero. Also, the ratio of the total area of the minute recesses to the entire area should be 10 to 40%.

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: To adjust the stroke of a control element actuated electromagnetically by means of a spring-mass oscillating system for displacement engines and to enable a freer arrangement of the electromagnetic setting device in the housing, in particular in a cylinder head of a displacement engine, the movement of the setting device is transferred to the control element, in particular one or more lift valves or flat slide valves, by means of a mechanical or hydraulic transmission system whose transformation ratio varies. Furthermore, devices are provided to adjust with precision the equilibrium position of the oscillating system. The electromagnetic setting device can also be combined with an end position attenuator and with a hydraulic compensating element.

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 toroidal continuously variable transmission comprises a friction roller disposed between co-axial input and output discs and in driving contact therewith, and a roller carrier rotatably supporting the friction roller. A hydraulic actuator is operative to shift the roller carrier along a carrier axis. The hydraulic actuator is operable on hydraulic pressure supplied thereto by a ratio control valve. The ratio control valve includes a valve sleeve (i.e., a first member) moveable along a valve axis, and a spool (i.e., a second member) received in the valve sleeve and moveable along the valve axis, and a ratio control valve for regulating supply of hydraulic fluid to and discharge thereof from the hydraulic actuator in response to relative movement of the spool to the sleeve. A control arrangement includes a stepper motor for changing the sleeve from an initial position to a desired position. A cam is connected to the roller carrier for unitary motion about the carrier axis.

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: A rocker arm has a one-piece metal body made by cold-forming operations, including staming, extruding, coining, and back-packing. The rocker arm includes an intermediate portion and two end portions. The intermediate portion has substantially parallel side walls with a large, generally rectangular opening at the top and with two end top walls extending sharply downwardly therefrom. The parallel side walls are deep and both the side walls and top walls are thinner at upper portions than at lower portions. A first end portion of the body has a wide top wall with arcuate side walls. A method of making the rocker arm includes forming a metal blank with a U-shaped cross section having a convex central portion. A slot is formed in the central portion and that portion is then pushed out or extruded to form the large, generally rectangular opening.

Abstract: A valve mechanism has a low-speed cam and a high-speed cam, a low-speed rocker arm operatively connected a valve and a high-speed rocker arm. A changeover device is provided for connecting the low-speed and high-speed rocker arm with each other so as to be rocked together by the high-speed cam. A roller follower is rotatably mounted on a shaft provided in the low-speed rocker arm. The high-speed rocker arm has a slipper engaging with the high-speed cam. The changeover device has a piston slidably mounted in the high-speed rocker arm so as to connect the high-speed rocker arm with the low-speed rocker arm.

Abstract: A one-piece, cold-formed rocker arm of the cam-follower type includes a one-piece metal body which is cold-formed from a metal blank and is of U-shaped cross section at first and second end portions. The first end of said body has a bottom wall and two upwardly-extending side walls with a rounded recess in the bottom wall having a concave side facing downwardly for receiving an end of a lifter post on which the rocker arm can pivot. The second end of the body has a groove formed by a bottom wall with two downwardly-extending side walls and two doubled-back, upwardly-extending side walls which are structurally integral at lower edges with lower edges of the downwardly-extending side walls. The groove of the second end portion faces downwardly to receive an upper end of a valve stem. An intermediate portion of the body has two substantially parallel side walls which are structurally integral with the upwardly-extending side walls of the first and second end portions.

Abstract: A valve stem which is located for axial movement; a valve lever is pivotally mounted at one end and is attached adjacent the other end to the end of the valve stem, the valve lever defines a track; a drive pin engages in the track the drive pin being mounted at one end of a first link the other end of the link being pivotally mounted about a fixed pivot, a second link is pivotally mounted at one end about moveable pivot, the first and second links being interconnected by an intermediate link pivotally attached to said first and second links at positions separated from their pivots, a drive link is pivotally connected at one end to the pivotal connection between the second link and intermediate link and at the other end to a crank, so that rotation of the crank will cause the linkage to oscillate and the drive pin to perform a reciprocating motion along an arcuate path; the trank has a first portion which is engaged by the drive pin when the valve is closed and coincides with the arcuate path of the drive pin

Abstract: A rocker arm is formed from a unitary sheet metal material with a unitary journal and pad with selective welds to provide rigidity.

Abstract: A valve train for an overhead camshaft type engine includes a finger follower lever type rocker arm assembly. The lever is of lightweight stamped construction containing a pocket or recess in which is received a precision molded plastic bearing cup. The cup has a smoothly polished bearing surface for slidably receiving an axleless roller that is contained laterally within the insert and is rotated by the engine driven cam located above the roller for pivotally moving the lever to actuate the engine valves. The inclusion of the pocket in the lever assures lubrication of the parts at all times since it will collect and retain lubricant or engine oil during engine operation so that even during a lengthy shutdown, upon restart, the elements will be fully lubricated.

Abstract: A rocker arm of the cam follower type has a rocker arm body formed of a metal matrix composite material comprising a lightweight metal, preferably aluminum, having ceramic material mixed therein. The rocker arm may take the form of a "slider" arm which included a pad for slideably engaging a cam on a rotating cam shaft for pivotally moving the rocker arm to operate an associated valve. For a slider rocker arm, the cam engaging pad comprises a wear resistant ceramic material which may be integrally formed into the rocker arm or otherwise secured thereto after forming. Alternately, the rocker arm may take the form of a "roller" rocker arm wherein a roller formed of a first ceramic material is rotatably mounted on an axle formed of a second ceramic material and mounted between sidewalls of the rocker arm body. One or both ceramic materials may be porous and self-lubricating when impregnated with a solid or liquid lubricant. A variety of hardening techniques, coatings and inserts may be provided as required.

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.