Internal combustion engine valve control device
AssigneeSouthwest Research Institute
InventorCharles D. Wood, III
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention is a valve control device (10) for an internal combustion engine (12). It comprises a housing (18) having a piston chamber (20), in which is mounted a power piston (22) for reciprocating movement. The power piston (22) is connected to the engine valve (26). An air reservoir chamber (62) connected to a high pressure air source (74), is formed above the piston chamber (20). A poppet valve (42) mounted on the upper surface of the power piston (22) blocks communication between the piston chamber (20) and the air reservoir chamber (62) when the power piston (22) is in its highest position. The air source (74) is also connectred to the upper portion of the piston chamber (20) through a timing valve (76), which controls flow of air to the piston chamber (20).
Claims15
Valve control apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine for controlling intake and exhaust engine valves having valve stems, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing having a multiple diameter bore extending therethrough;
- a power piston mounted in a lower end of said bore for reciprocating movement therein, the lower surface of said power piston secured to one of the valve stems;
- means biasing the engine valve toward a closed position;
- a poppet valve portion formed on the upper surface of said power piston for engaging said housing encircling said bore to permit and prevent communication through said bore when said power piston is at its highest position;
- first pressurized fluid supply means in communication with and providing a first fluid to said bore relatively above said poppet valve portion;
- and
- a timing valve for controlling flow from said first pressurized fluid supply means and to said bore relatively below a part of said poppet valve portion and above said power piston for rapidly opening said engine valve.
A method of opening an internal combustion engine intake or exhaust valve biased toward a closed position, the valve being connected by a valve stem to the underside of a power piston, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying high pressure air to only one portion of the upper surface of the piston, the high pressure air insufficient to cause movement of the piston;
- and
- applying the high pressure air to an additional area of the upper surface of the piston forcing the piston downward and thereby moving the engine valve to an open position.
A method of opening and closing an internal combustion engine intake or exhaust valve biased toward a closed position by a biasing spring, the valve being connected by a valve stem to the underside of a power piston, the method comprising the steps of:
- applying a high pressure air source to only one portion of the upper surface of the piston, the high pressure air source insufficient to cause movement of the piston;
- applying the high pressure air source to an additional area of the upper surface of the piston forcing the piston downward and moving the engine valve to an open position;
- supplying a fluid into a chamber above the piston;
- reducing the pressure applied to the upper surface of the power piston, thereby allowing the power piston to be moved upward by the force applied by the biasing spring and pushing the fluid out of the chamber through a bleed valve;
- regulating the flow of the fluid out of the chamber by adjusting the opening of the bleed valve, thereby controlling the upward speed of the power piston;
- and
- releasing all fluid from the chamber rapidly once the power piston has moved a predetermined distance, causing the engine valve to close.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.