Patent ID: 6321701
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
A valve actuation system for an internal combustion engine, said engine having at least one engine cylinder valve which is selectively openable, wherein said valve actuation system comprises:means for imparting force from a force source to selectively operate said at least one engine valve, wherein said force imparting means includes a master piston for delivering motion from a cam;a fluid system connected to said force imparting means for transferring force to selectively operate and variably control the position of said at least one engine valve;a control valve connected to said fluid system;an accumulator connected to said fluid system for selectively absorbing fluid within said fluid system to vary the operation of said at least one valve, said accumulator having means for limiting the amount of said fluid within said accumulator, such that when said accumulator reaches its maximum fluid limit, said fluid is retained within said fluid system to maintain positive power operation of said engine in the event of failure of said control valve;means for actuating said at least one engine valve, in response to force imparted by said force imparting means through said fluid system, wherein said fluid system provides hydraulic control of lost motion between said at least one engine cylinder valve and said valve actuating means; anda motion feedback system for detecting braking and exhaust motion of said at least one engine valve in response to actuation of said at least one engine valve by said actuating means.