Rotary-to-linear motion converter and use thereof

A valve actuator device of an internal combustion engine, the device comprising one or more rotary-to-linear motion converters each comprising:

• (a) a reciprocating shaft extending along a first longitudinal axis and comprising a helical channel network on an outer surface of a first end and one or more actuator slots;
• (b) a rotating driver extending along a second longitudinal axis, said driver having an inner surface defining a bore at one end for receiving said first end of said reciprocating shaft;
• and
• (c) guide means engaged with said helical channel network of said reciprocating shaft and with said rotating driver, said guide means comprising at least one dog including a shaft substantially perpendicular to said reciprocating shaft and a portion extending radially from said shaft
• wherein:
• said first longitudinal axis is substantially collinear with said second longitudinal axis;
• and
• at least said first end of said reciprocating shaft reciprocates within said bore of said rotating driver along said longitudinal axes when said rotating driver is continually rotated about said second longitudinal axis in a first direction;
• a base which is engageable with said internal combustion engine and onto which is mounted said one or more rotary-to-linear motion converters;
• one or more rockers slidably, pivotingly and operably engaged with said one or more reciprocating shafts such that linear reciprocation of said one or more reciprocating shafts will cause said one or more rockers to reciprocate and pivot about said one or more shafts;
• and
• one or more connectors for operably engaging said one or more rockers to one or more valves in said internal combustion engine;
• wherein, said one or more rotary-to-linear motion converters are operably engaged with a crankshaft of said internal combustion engine.