Patent ID: 7032549
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
1. An engine valve assembly, including an engine valve housing defining at least one opening, an engine valve movable between open and closed positions within the opening, a valve stem seal carried by the valve housing and sealingly engaging the engine valve, and a valve lift sensor comprising: a stationary electrical coil carried by the engine valve housing; a movable conductive target carried by the engine valve and movable with the valve into greater and lesser proximity to the coil as the valve is opened and closed, respectively; a signal generator operative to apply an alternating voltage signal to the coil and a resistor in series and thereby create an oscillating magnetic field about the coil for inductive transfer of energy to the movable target, causing a variable voltage through the coil to the resistor; and a comparator operative to compare the voltage from the signal generator with the voltage at the resistor to determine the phase lag of resistor voltage relative to signal generator voltage and indicate the engine valve position; wherein the stationary coil is carried by the valve stem seal.