Electromagnetic valve actuator

An electronically controllable valve mechanism for use in an internal combustion engine comprising:

• an engine valve having an elongated axial stem;
• a housing at least partially surrounding the valve stem having a hollow interior generally shaped as a surface of revolution about the axis of the valve stem;
• and
• means within the housing and surrounding the valve stem for moving the valve along the stem axis between valve-open and valve-closed positions including in order along the stem;
• a first annular coil fixed relative to the housing,
• a first conductor fixed to the valve stem,
• a first spring damping device,
• a hydraulic damping device including a fluid filled cavity fixed to the housing and a piston movable independent of the valve stem within the cavity,
• a second spring damping device,
• a second conductor fixed to the valve stem,
• a second annular coil fixed relative to the housing.

An electronically controllable valve mechanism for use in an internal combustion engine comprising:

• an engine valve having an elongated valve stem;
• a housing at least partially surrounding the valve stem;
• means for circulating a liquid coolant through a portion of the housing;
• motive means for causing the valve to move in the direction of stem elongation between valve-open and valve-closed positions;
• means for decelerating the valve as the valve nears one of said valve-open and valve-closed positions including at least two separate damping arrangements jointly effective to slow valve motion as the valve gets close to said one position;
• a latching arrangement for maintaining the valve in one of said valve-open and valve-closed positions;
• the motive means comprising an electromagnetic repulsion arrangement operable when energized to override the latching arrangement and dislodge the valve from the position in which the valve was maintained.