US3926159A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High speed engine valve actuator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-03-25
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Granted: 1975-12-16
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Expires: 1994-03-25
Abstract
Abstract An electro-hydraulic system capable of high speed and precision timing, and particularly adapted to the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine under computer control. The actuator is powered by pressurized crankcase oil which is discharged on the engine valve stems for lubrication, employs hydraulic cushioning to reduce engine valve seating velocity, and recovers energy on the return stroke of the valve to improve efficiency. High speed is achieved by rapid deenergization of electromagnets which hold the fluid control valves closed against the force of the pressure of the hydraulic supply. These electromagnets latch the valves in their most power-efficient mode, that is, with the magnetic circuit gap at or near zero.
Inventors
- 👤 Gunnar P Michelson
- 👤 Louis A Ule
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:37
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01L; F01L9/00; F01L9/20; F01L9/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A control device comprising: an internal combustion engine having at least one intake valve and one exhaust valve; an hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly having a piston slidably disposed within a cylinder for actuating a respective one of said intake and exhaust valves; pump and fluid supply means for supplying pressurized fluid to the interior of each cylinder of said assemblies so that said piston slides therein; each of said assemblies having an inlet valve and an outlet valve, both disposed to open under the influence of said high pressure fluid; a solenoid for each one of said inlet and outlet valves, said solenoid being disposed to hold the respective inlet or outlet valve closed while energized; a computer means responsive to the output of said internal combustion engine for supplying a first signal to deenergize said solenoid associated with said respective inlet valve and energizing said solenoid associated with said respective outlet valve, so that said respective piston is forced out of said cylinder by said pressurized fluid and for supplying a second signal to de-energize said solenoid associated with said respective outlet valve and energizing said solenoid associated with said inlet valve so that said piston is free to move into said cylinder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
A control device comprising: an internal combustion engine having at least one intake valve and one exhaust valve; an hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly having a piston slidably disposed within a cylinder for actuating a respective one of said intake and exhaust valves; pump and fluid supply means for supplying pressurized fluid to the interior of each cylinder of said assemblies so that said piston slides therein; each of said assemblies having an inlet valve and an outlet valve, both disposed to open under the influence of said high pressure fluid; a solenoid for each one of said inlet and outlet valves, said solenoid being disposed to hold the respective inlet or outlet valve closed while energized; a computer means responsive to the output of said internal combustion engine for supplying a first signal to deenergize said solenoid associated with said respective inlet valve and energizing said solenoid associated with said respective outlet valve, so that said respective piston is forced out of said cylinder by said pressurized fluid and for supplying a second signal to de-energize said solenoid associated with said respective outlet valve and energizing said solenoid associated with said inlet valve so that said piston is free to move into said cylinder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: a variable speed drive is coupled to said engine to transmit energy from said engine to said pump means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 2 wherein: an hydraulic accumulator is provided between said pump means and said assemblies to produce controlled pressure surges; and said fluid is a liquid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 3 wherein: said cylinder has a plurality of fluId outlets axially spaced therein so that respective ones of said fluid outlets are closed as said piston moves into said cylinder; and each of said fluid outlets communicates with said respective outlet valve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
67 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly has: a first duct wherein said inlet valve is disposed to supply pressurized fluid into the cylinder thereof; a second duct coupled between the cylinder thereof and the supply of pressurized fluid, and a relief valve disposed within said second duct, disposed to allow fluid to flow from the cylinder back to the supply means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1 wherein: an hydraulic accumulator is provided between said pump means and said assemblies to produce controlled pressure surges; and said fluid is a liquid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device of claim 6 wherein: said cylinder has a plurality of fluid outlets axially spaced therein so that respective ones of said fluid outlets are closed as said piston moves into said cylinder; and each of said fluid outlets communicates with said respective outlet valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
The device of claim 7 wherein said hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly has: a first duct wherein said inlet valve is disposed to supply pressurized fluid into the cylinder thereof; a second duct coupled between the cylinder thereof and the supply of pressurized fluid, and a relief valve disposed within said second duct, disposed to allow fluid to flow from the cylinder back to the supply means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-15 | 1979-06-16 | 1979-12-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-15 | 1983-06-16 | 1983-12-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-15 | 1987-06-16 | 1987-12-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |