Patent · US Expired

Hydraulically operated variable valve control mechanism

US5857438A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
9References
29Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 12, 1998
Grant dateJan 12, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 12, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF01L9/12
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A hydraulically operated mechanism which utilizes engine oil as the hydraulic fluid to open and close a cylinder valve is easily installed on a conventional internal combustion engine to improve engine performance over a wide range of operating parameters. A primary assembly has a piston that is actuated by the rotational movement of the cam lobe to pressurize oil inside a tube or hose and deliver pressurized oil to a secondary assembly to push open the valve. The secondary assembly has a secondary piston that utilizes a spring to abut against the valve. The hydraulic variable valve control mechanism optimizes the engine valve event by being self-adjusting and by virtually eliminating valve lash, resulting in improved engine performance, including horsepower, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, at all ranges of engine speed. The hydraulically operated variable valve control mechanism reduces the amount of moving mechanical components in the conventional internal combustion engine by eliminating the need for the lifter, push rod and rocker arm.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.