US5809964A — Method and apparatus to accomplish exhaust air re…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 129 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder independent of the motion of an engine component from which the energy for exhaust gas recirculation is derived, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine component; storage means, in communication with said means for deriving energy, for storing the derived energy as potential energy; energy transfer means, providing communication between said storage means and a valve actuation means, for selectively releasing the stored energy to said valve actuation means; and valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve in response to said energy released from said storage means to provide exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 129 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder independent of the motion of an engine component from which the energy for exhaust gas recirculation is derived, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine component; storage means, in communication with said means for deriving energy, for storing the derived energy as potential energy; energy transfer means, providing communication between said storage means and a valve actuation means, for selectively releasing the stored energy to said valve actuation means; and valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve in response to said energy released from said storage means to provide exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation occurs while the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted to achieve exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation occurs while the fuel supply to the engine is continuous.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 27 words

The system of claim 2, further comprising means for providing compression release retarding, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation is carried out in combination with compression release retarding.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 4 wherein the same means comprise said system and said compression release means.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 2, further comprising means for providing exhaust braking, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation is carried out in combination with exhaust braking.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 30 words

The system of claim 6, further comprising means for providing compression release retarding, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation and exhaust braking are carried out in combination with compression release retarding.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 62 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said energy transfer means further comprises a control means for determining optimal valve actuation timing for one or more valve events selected from the group consisting of an exhaust gas recirculation event, and a compression release retarding event, wherein said one or more valve events are carried out responsive to a signal from said control means.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 61 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said energy transfer means further comprises a control means for determining optimal valve lift for one or more valve events selected from the group consisting of an exhaust gas recirculation event, and a compression release retarding event, wherein said one or more valve events are carried out responsive to a signal from said control means.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the engine component is associated with an intake valve of said cylinder.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the engine component is associated with an exhaust valve of said cylinder.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 12 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the engine component is a cam.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the engine component is a rocker arm.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 1, wherein said system provides variable timing exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 40 words

The system of claim 14, wherein said energy transfer means include control means for controlling the release of stored energy to said valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve to provide the variable timing exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 104 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder independent of the motion of an engine component, comprising: compression release means for opening the at least one valve near a top of a cylinder compression stroke to carry out compression release retarding; exhaust gas recirculation means for opening the at least one valve to recirculate exhaust gas to the cylinder; and valve actuation means cooperating with said compression release means and said exhaust gas recirculation means to open the at least one valve.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 104 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder independent of the motion of an engine component, comprising: compression release means for opening the at least one valve near a top of a cylinder compression stroke to carry out compression release retarding; exhaust gas recirculation means for opening the at least one valve to recirculate exhaust gas to the cylinder; and valve actuation means cooperating with said compression release means and said exhaust gas recirculation means to open the at least one valve.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 16, wherein the system provides enhanced fuel economy when the engine is in a positive power producing mode.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 24 words

The system of claim 16, wherein the system improves the quality of emission control when the engine is in a positive power producing mode.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 37 words

The system of claim 16, further comprising a second valve and second valve actuation means, wherein said compression release means actuates one of said valves and said exhaust gas recirculation means actuates the other of said valves.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 16, wherein said compression release means is disabled when the engine is in a positive power producing mode.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 16, wherein the exhaust gas recirculation and compression release retarding are carried out in combination with exhaust braking.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 33 words

The system of claim 16, wherein said compression release means is disabled when the engine is in a braking mode, and said exhaust gas recirculation is carried out in combination with exhaust braking.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 16, wherein said system provides variable timing exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 134 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for opening at least one valve of the engine to provide exhaust gas recirculation on both positive power and engine retarding, comprising: master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; energy storage means, responsive to motion of master piston means, for storing energy derived from the motion of said engine component; trigger valve means, communicating with said energy storage means, for selectively releasing the stored energy independent of the motion of the engine component; and slave piston means, communicating with said trigger valve means, for opening the at least one valve in response to the stored energy released by said trigger valve means, wherein said trigger valve means releasing the stored energy to said slave piston means independent of the motion of the engine component.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 134 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for opening at least one valve of the engine to provide exhaust gas recirculation on both positive power and engine retarding, comprising: master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; energy storage means, responsive to motion of master piston means, for storing energy derived from the motion of said engine component; trigger valve means, communicating with said energy storage means, for selectively releasing the stored energy independent of the motion of the engine component; and slave piston means, communicating with said trigger valve means, for opening the at least one valve in response to the stored energy released by said trigger valve means, wherein said trigger valve means releasing the stored energy to said slave piston means independent of the motion of the engine component.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 24, wherein the opening of the at least one valve provides an exhaust gas recirculation event each engine cycle.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 24, wherein the opening of the at least one valve provides a compression release retarding event each engine cycle.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 32 words

The system of claim 24, wherein the opening of the at least one valve provides at least one of an exhaust gas recirculation event, and a compression release event each engine cycle.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 14 words

The system of claim 24, wherein said system provides variable timing exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 222 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for opening at least one valve of the engine to selectively provide exhaust gas recirculation on both positive power and engine retarding, comprising: compression release means for effecting engine retarding, further comprising first master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; plenum means, communicating with said master piston means, for storing energy derived from the motion of said master piston; first trigger valve means, communicating with said plenum, for selectively releasing said stored energy; exhaust gas recirculation means, further comprising: second master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; delay piston means, communicating with said second master piston means, for storing energy derived from the motion of said second master piston means; second trigger valve means, communicating with said delay piston for selectively releasing said stored energy from said delay piston means; and slave piston means, communicating with said first and second trigger valves for opening the at least one valve in response to the release of stored energy; wherein the at least one valve opens in response to said stored energy released by said first trigger valve resulting in an compression release retarding event, and the at least one valve opens in response to said stored energy released by said second trigger valve resulting in an exhaust gas recirculation event.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 222 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for opening at least one valve of the engine to selectively provide exhaust gas recirculation on both positive power and engine retarding, comprising: compression release means for effecting engine retarding, further comprising first master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; plenum means, communicating with said master piston means, for storing energy derived from the motion of said master piston; first trigger valve means, communicating with said plenum, for selectively releasing said stored energy; exhaust gas recirculation means, further comprising: second master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; delay piston means, communicating with said second master piston means, for storing energy derived from the motion of said second master piston means; second trigger valve means, communicating with said delay piston for selectively releasing said stored energy from said delay piston means; and slave piston means, communicating with said first and second trigger valves for opening the at least one valve in response to the release of stored energy; wherein the at least one valve opens in response to said stored energy released by said first trigger valve resulting in an compression release retarding event, and the at least one valve opens in response to said stored energy released by said second trigger valve resulting in an exhaust gas recirculation event.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 29, wherein said first and second trigger valves means are electronically controlled.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 36 words

The system of claim 29, wherein said first trigger valve means comprises a multi-way trigger valve for selectively providing communication between any two of the group consisting of said plenum means and said slave piston means.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 42 words

The system of claim 29 wherein said second trigger valve means comprises a multi-way trigger valve for selectively providing communications between any two of the group consisting of said second master piston means, said delay piston means and said slave piston means.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 185 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for utilizing energy derived from the engine to selectively open at least one cylinder valve, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine having an energy input from said engine and having an energy output; an energy storage means for storing energy received from the means for deriving energy, said storage means having an energy input connected to the energy output of said means for deriving energy and having an energy output; means for controlling the application of the energy stored in the storage means to a valve actuation means, said means for controlling having an energy input connected to the energy output of the storage means and having an energy output; and means for opening at least one cylinder valve using energy received from the means for controlling, said means for opening having an energy input connected to the means for controlling and having a connection with said at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve may be opened using energy derived from the engine and transferred through the system to the means for opening.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 185 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for utilizing energy derived from the engine to selectively open at least one cylinder valve, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine having an energy input from said engine and having an energy output; an energy storage means for storing energy received from the means for deriving energy, said storage means having an energy input connected to the energy output of said means for deriving energy and having an energy output; means for controlling the application of the energy stored in the storage means to a valve actuation means, said means for controlling having an energy input connected to the energy output of the storage means and having an energy output; and means for opening at least one cylinder valve using energy received from the means for controlling, said means for opening having an energy input connected to the means for controlling and having a connection with said at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve may be opened using energy derived from the engine and transferred through the system to the means for opening.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system of claim 33, wherein said means for deriving energy comprises a hydraulic piston for converting the motion of an engine component into hydraulic pressure.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 19 words

The system of claim 33, wherein said energy storage means comprises a plenum for storing hydraulic fluid under pressure.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 20 words

The system of claim 35, wherein said means for controlling the application of energy comprises a electronically controlled hydraulic valve.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 35 words

The system of claim 36 wherein said means for opening a cylinder valve comprises a hydraulically activated slave piston for converting hydraulic pressure into a rectilinear motion used to open said at least one valve.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 33 wherein said energy is electrical energy.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 11 words

The system of claim 33 wherein said energy is mechanical energy.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 62 words

In a method of operating an internal combustion engine in a positive power mode and a braking mode, the improvement comprising providing exhaust gas recirculation through the steps of: deriving energy from an engine component; temporarily storing said energy; and selectively applying said energy to a means for opening at least one engine valve to carry out variable timing exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 62 words

In a method of operating an internal combustion engine in a positive power mode and a braking mode, the improvement comprising providing exhaust gas recirculation through the steps of: deriving energy from an engine component; temporarily storing said energy; and selectively applying said energy to a means for opening at least one engine valve to carry out variable timing exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 56 words

The method of claim 40 further comprising the provision of compression release retarding in combination with said exhaust gas recirculation through the steps of: deriving energy from a second engine component; temporarily storing said energy; and selectively applying said energy to a means for opening at least one engine valve to carry out compression release retarding.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 41 further comprising the provision of exhaust braking in combination with said exhaust gas recirculation and said compression release retarding.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 40 further comprising the provision of exhaust braking in combination with said exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 214 words

In an internal combustion engine having a selectively actuated exhaust valve capable of providing variable timing exhaust gas recirculation and compression release braking in an engine cylinder, an exhaust valve actuator comprising: a fluid tight chamber having a top wall and a side wall; a bifurcated piston having upper and lower portions slidably disposed within said chamber along said side wall, wherein said upper and lower portions have mutually engageable shoulders for applying pressure to one another; a first port in the chamber top wall for providing fluid in a first space between the chamber top wall and the piston upper portion; a second port in the chamber side wall for providing fluid in a second space between the piston upper portion and the piston lower portion; an extension member for transferring force between said piston lower portion and said exhaust valve located externally of said chamber; and spring means for biasing said piston in a direction compatible with said exhaust valve being closed; wherein the provision of fluid in said first space moves the piston upper portion, lower portion, extension member downward and thereby opens said exhaust valve, and wherein the provision of fluid in said second space moves the piston lower portion and extension member downward and thereby opens said exhaust valve.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 214 words

In an internal combustion engine having a selectively actuated exhaust valve capable of providing variable timing exhaust gas recirculation and compression release braking in an engine cylinder, an exhaust valve actuator comprising: a fluid tight chamber having a top wall and a side wall; a bifurcated piston having upper and lower portions slidably disposed within said chamber along said side wall, wherein said upper and lower portions have mutually engageable shoulders for applying pressure to one another; a first port in the chamber top wall for providing fluid in a first space between the chamber top wall and the piston upper portion; a second port in the chamber side wall for providing fluid in a second space between the piston upper portion and the piston lower portion; an extension member for transferring force between said piston lower portion and said exhaust valve located externally of said chamber; and spring means for biasing said piston in a direction compatible with said exhaust valve being closed; wherein the provision of fluid in said first space moves the piston upper portion, lower portion, extension member downward and thereby opens said exhaust valve, and wherein the provision of fluid in said second space moves the piston lower portion and extension member downward and thereby opens said exhaust valve.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 27 words

The exhaust valve actuator of claim 44 further comprising a passage in said piston upper portion for providing fluid between the second port and the second space.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 24 words

The exhaust valve actuator of claim 44 wherein said piston lower portion is slidable within a hollow interior portion of said piston upper portion.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 23 words

The exhaust valve actuator of claim 44 further comprising means for adjusting the upper most position in the chamber attainable by the piston.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 32 words

The exhaust valve actuator of claim 44 wherein said first port is connected to a compression release hydraulic system and said second port is connected to an exhaust gas recirculation hydraulic system.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 118 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the at least one cylinder, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine component; storage means, in communication with said means for deriving energy, for storing said derived energy as potential energy; energy transfer means including trigger valve means, providing communication between said storage means and a valve actuation means, for selectively releasing the stored energy to said valve actuation means; and valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve in response to said energy released from said storage means to provide exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 118 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the at least one cylinder, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine component; storage means, in communication with said means for deriving energy, for storing said derived energy as potential energy; energy transfer means including trigger valve means, providing communication between said storage means and a valve actuation means, for selectively releasing the stored energy to said valve actuation means; and valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve in response to said energy released from said storage means to provide exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 49, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation occurs while the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted to achieve exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 49, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation occurs while the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted to achieve exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 27 words

The system of claim 50, further comprising means for providing compression release retarding, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation is carried out in combination with compression release retarding.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 50, further comprising means for providing exhaust braking, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation is carried out in combination with exhaust braking.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 30 words

The system of claim 53, further comprising means for providing compression release retarding, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation and exhaust braking are carried out in combination with compression release retarding.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 64 words

The system of claim 50, wherein said energy transfer means further comprises a control means for determining optimal valve actuation timing for one or more of valve events selected from the group consisting of: an exhaust gas recirculation event, and a compression release retarding event; and wherein said one or more valve events are carried out responsive to a signal from said control means.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 63 words

The system of claim 50, wherein said energy transfer means further comprises a control means for determining optimal valve lift for one or more of valve events selected from the group consisting of: an exhaust gas recirculation event, and a compression release retarding event; and wherein said one or more valve events are carried out responsive to a signal from said control means.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 99 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the at least one cylinder, comprising: compression release means for opening the at least one valve near a top of a cylinder compression stroke to carry out compression release retarding; exhaust gas recirculation means for opening the at least one valve to recirculate exhaust gas to the cylinder; and valve actuation means cooperating with said compression release means and said exhaust gas recirculation means to open the at least one valve.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 99 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the at least one cylinder, comprising: compression release means for opening the at least one valve near a top of a cylinder compression stroke to carry out compression release retarding; exhaust gas recirculation means for opening the at least one valve to recirculate exhaust gas to the cylinder; and valve actuation means cooperating with said compression release means and said exhaust gas recirculation means to open the at least one valve.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 37 words

The system of claim 57, further comprising a second valve and second valve actuation means, wherein said compression release means actuates one of said valves and said exhaust gas recirculation means actuates the other of said valves.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 57, wherein said compression release means is disabled when the engine is in a positive power producing mode.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 57, wherein the exhaust gas recirculation and compression release retarding are carried out in combination with exhaust braking.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 33 words

The system of claim 57, wherein said compression release means is disabled when the engine is in a braking mode, and said exhaust gas recirculation is carried out in combination with exhaust braking.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 118 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for opening at least one valve of the engine to provide exhaust gas recirculation on both positive power and engine retarding, comprising: master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; energy storage means, responsive to motion of master piston means, for storing energy derived from the motion of said engine component; trigger valve means, communicating with said energy storage means, for selectively releasing said stored energy; and slave piston means, communicating with said valve actuation means, for opening the at least one valve in response to said stored energy released by said trigger valve means, wherein said trigger valve means releasing said stored energy to said slave piston means.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 118 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for opening at least one valve of the engine to provide exhaust gas recirculation on both positive power and engine retarding, comprising: master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; energy storage means, responsive to motion of master piston means, for storing energy derived from the motion of said engine component; trigger valve means, communicating with said energy storage means, for selectively releasing said stored energy; and slave piston means, communicating with said valve actuation means, for opening the at least one valve in response to said stored energy released by said trigger valve means, wherein said trigger valve means releasing said stored energy to said slave piston means.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 62, wherein the opening of the at least one valve provides an exhaust gas recirculation event each engine cycle.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 23 words

The system of claim 62, wherein the opening of the at least one valve provides a compression release retarding event each engine cycle.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 62, wherein the opening of the at least one valve provides an exhaust gas or exhaust gas recirculation event, and a compression release event each engine cycle.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 115 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder independent of the motion of an engine component from which the energy for exhaust gas recirculation is derived, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine component; energy transfer means, providing communication between said means for deriving energy and a valve actuation means, for selectively transferring the energy from said means for deriving energy to said valve actuation means; and valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve in response to said energy transfer means to provide exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 115 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder independent of the motion of an engine component from which the energy for exhaust gas recirculation is derived, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine component; energy transfer means, providing communication between said means for deriving energy and a valve actuation means, for selectively transferring the energy from said means for deriving energy to said valve actuation means; and valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve in response to said energy transfer means to provide exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 66, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation occurs while the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted to achieve exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 27 words

The system of claim 67, further comprising means for providing compression release retarding, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation is carried out in combination with compression release retarding.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 67, further comprising means for providing exhaust braking, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation is carried out in combination with exhaust braking.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 30 words

The system of claim 69, further comprising means for providing compression release retarding, wherein said exhaust gas recirculation and exhaust braking are carried out in combination with compression release retarding.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 69 words

The system of claim 66, wherein said energy transfer means further comprises a control means for determining optimal valve actuation timing for one or more of valve events selected from the group consisting of: an exhaust gas recirculation event, an exhaust gas recirculation event, and a compression release retarding event; and wherein said one or more valve events are carried out responsive to a signal from said control means.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 68 words

The system of claim 66, wherein said energy transfer means further comprises a control means for determining optimal valve lift for one or more of valve events selected from the group consisting of: an exhaust gas recirculation event, an exhaust gas recirculation event, and a compression release retarding event; and wherein said one or more valve events are carried out responsive to a signal from said control means.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 106 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder responsive to the motion of an engine component, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine component; valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve in response to said means for deriving energy to provide exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder; and energy transfer means, providing communication between said means for deriving energy and said valve actuation means, for selectively transferring the energy from said means for deriving energy to said valve actuation means.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 106 words

In an internal combustion engine, having at least one cylinder and a valve associated with a cylinder of the engine, a system for providing exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder responsive to the motion of an engine component, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine component; valve actuation means for opening the at least one valve in response to said means for deriving energy to provide exhaust gas recirculation to the cylinder; and energy transfer means, providing communication between said means for deriving energy and said valve actuation means, for selectively transferring the energy from said means for deriving energy to said valve actuation means.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 161 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for opening at least one valve of the engine to selectively provide variable timing exhaust gas recirculation on both positive power and engine retarding, comprising: compression release means for effecting engine retarding, further comprising first master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; trigger valve means, communicating with said first master piston means, for selectively releasing energy from said first master piston means; exhaust gas recirculation means, further comprising: second master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; and slave piston means, communicating with said trigger valve means and said second master piston means, for opening the at least one valve; wherein the at least one valve opens in response to energy released by said trigger valve means resulting in an compression release retarding event, and the at least one valve opens in response to energy released by said second master piston means resulting in an exhaust gas recirculation event.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 161 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for opening at least one valve of the engine to selectively provide variable timing exhaust gas recirculation on both positive power and engine retarding, comprising: compression release means for effecting engine retarding, further comprising first master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; trigger valve means, communicating with said first master piston means, for selectively releasing energy from said first master piston means; exhaust gas recirculation means, further comprising: second master piston means, responsive to motion of an engine component; and slave piston means, communicating with said trigger valve means and said second master piston means, for opening the at least one valve; wherein the at least one valve opens in response to energy released by said trigger valve means resulting in an compression release retarding event, and the at least one valve opens in response to energy released by said second master piston means resulting in an exhaust gas recirculation event.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 13 words

The system of claim 74, wherein said trigger valve means is electronically controlled.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 133 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for utilizing energy derived from the engine to selectively open at least one cylinder valve, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine having an energy input from said engine and having an energy output; means for controlling the application of the energy to a valve actuation means, said means for controlling having an energy input and an energy output; and means for opening at least one cylinder valve using energy received through the means for controlling, said means for opening having an energy input connected to the means for controlling and having a connection with said at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve may be opened using energy derived from the engine and transferred through the system to the means for opening.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 133 words

In an internal combustion engine, a system for utilizing energy derived from the engine to selectively open at least one cylinder valve, comprising: means for deriving energy from the engine having an energy input from said engine and having an energy output; means for controlling the application of the energy to a valve actuation means, said means for controlling having an energy input and an energy output; and means for opening at least one cylinder valve using energy received through the means for controlling, said means for opening having an energy input connected to the means for controlling and having a connection with said at least one valve, wherein the at least one valve may be opened using energy derived from the engine and transferred through the system to the means for opening.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 35 words

The system of claim 73, wherein said means for opening a cylinder valve comprises a hydraulically activated slave piston for converting hydraulic pressure into a rectilinear motion used to open said at least one valve.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 56 words

In a method of operating an internal combustion engine in a positive power mode and a braking mode, the improvement comprising providing exhaust gas recirculation through the steps of: deriving energy from an engine component; and selectively applying said energy to a means for opening at least one engine valve to carry out exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 56 words

In a method of operating an internal combustion engine in a positive power mode and a braking mode, the improvement comprising providing exhaust gas recirculation through the steps of: deriving energy from an engine component; and selectively applying said energy to a means for opening at least one engine valve to carry out exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method of claim 78, further comprising the provision of compression release retarding in combination with said exhaust gas recirculation through the steps of: deriving energy from a second engine component; and selectively applying said energy to a means for opening at least one engine valve to carry out compression release retarding.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 24 words

The method of claim 79, further comprising the provision of exhaust braking in combination with said exhaust gas recirculation and said compression release retarding.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 80, further comprising the provision of exhaust braking in combination with said exhaust gas recirculation.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 164 words

A valve actuator comprising: a fluid tight chamber having a top wall and a side wall; a two piece piston having upper and lower portions slidably disposed within said chamber, wherein said upper and lower portions have mutually engageable shoulders for applying pressure to one another; a first port in said chamber top wall adapted for providing fluid in a first space between said chamber top wall and said piston upper portion; a second port in said chamber side wall adapted for providing fluid in a second space between said piston upper portion and said piston lower portion; and spring means for biasing said two piece piston in a direction corresponding to a closed position for a valve located externally of said chamber, wherein the provision of fluid in said first space moves said piston upper portion and said piston lower portion to open the valve, and the provision of fluid in said second space moves said piston lower portion to open the valve.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 164 words

A valve actuator comprising: a fluid tight chamber having a top wall and a side wall; a two piece piston having upper and lower portions slidably disposed within said chamber, wherein said upper and lower portions have mutually engageable shoulders for applying pressure to one another; a first port in said chamber top wall adapted for providing fluid in a first space between said chamber top wall and said piston upper portion; a second port in said chamber side wall adapted for providing fluid in a second space between said piston upper portion and said piston lower portion; and spring means for biasing said two piece piston in a direction corresponding to a closed position for a valve located externally of said chamber, wherein the provision of fluid in said first space moves said piston upper portion and said piston lower portion to open the valve, and the provision of fluid in said second space moves said piston lower portion to open the valve.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 70 words

The valve actuator according to claim 82, further comprising: an extension member for transferring force between said piston lower portion and the valve, wherein the provision of fluid in said first space moves said piston upper portion, said lower portion and said extension member to open the valve, and the provision of fluid in said second space moves said piston lower portion and said extension member to open the valve.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 29 words

The exhaust valve actuator of claim 82 further comprising a passage in said piston upper portion for providing a fluid connection between said second port and said second space.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 24 words

The exhaust valve actuator of claim 82 wherein said piston lower portion is slidable within a hollow interior portion of said piston upper portion.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 25 words

The exhaust valve actuator of claim 82 further comprising means for adjusting the upper most position in the chamber attainable by said two piece piston.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-09-21	2002-03-23	2002-09-22	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-09-21	2006-03-23	2006-09-22	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-09-21	2010-03-23	2010-09-22	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus to accomplish exhaust air recirculation during engine braking and/or exhaust gas recirculation during positive power operation of an internal combustion engine

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