Valve control device

Abstract

A valve control device and related method of valve control which enhances performance characteristics of an internal combustion engine that utilizes push rods and extends the useful life of the valve control device is provided. The valve control device includes a valve engagement assembly which, in response to movement of the camshaft associated with the engine, interacts with a first valve closure mechanism associated with the valve such that the valve is efficiently opened and closed. The valve engagement assembly includes a rocker arm, which is pivotally connected to the engine and associated with a push rod which is reciprocable in response to movement of the camshaft. Further, a second valve closure mechanism is associated with the push rod for actuating downward movement of the push rod in cooperation, and substantially in unison, with the first valve closure mechanism which is engageable with the rocker arm. Each valve closure mechanism can be a compression spring of predetermined stiffness or elasticity and relative strength. The push rod can be connected to the rocker arm through a ball and socket joint that allows the push rod to rotate and spin during the upward and downward movement of the push rod.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.