Method and apparatus for adjusting variable valve lift

An assembly for adjustably varying the actuation of a continuously variable valve lift system in an internal combustion engine, comprising:

• a) a plurality of continuously variable valve lift mechanisms for actuating a plurality of engine combustion valves, defining said system;
• b) an actuator shaft disposed along said plurality of variable valve lift mechanisms;
• and
• c) a plurality of gear segments disposed on said actuator shaft and positioned at each of said plurality of continuously variable valve lift mechanisms, wherein at least one of said gear segments is rotationally adjustable upon said actuator shaft.

A method for varying the orientation of a segment of a gear disposed and rotationally adjustable upon on an actuator shaft for variably engaging a continuously variable valve lift mechanism, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing an adjustment block mounted on said actuator shaft;
• b) providing an adjustment screw engagingly disposed in said adjustment block and bearing upon said gear segment;
• and
• c) adjusting said adjustment screw to cause said gear segment to rotate about said actuator shaft to a desired orientation.

A method for equalizing the lifts of a plurality of combustion valves in a multi-valve train, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a plurality of continuously variable valve lift mechanisms for actuating said plurality of engine combustion valves,
• b) providing an actuator shaft disposed along said plurality of continuously variable valve lift mechanisms, and
• c) providing a plurality of gear segments disposed and rotationally adjustable upon said actuator shaft and positioned at each of said plurality of continuously variable valve lift mechanisms;
• d) providing an adjustment block mounted on said actuator shaft adjacent each of said continuously variable valve lift mechanisms;
• e) providing an adjustment screw engagingly disposed in each of said adjustment blocks and bearing upon said gear segment;
• and
• h) adjusting each of said adjustment screws to cause each of said gear segments to rotate about said actuator shaft to a desired orientation.