Patent ID: 6568365
Filing Date: 2003-05-27
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
A valve actuator for an internal combustion engine, the engine having a cam drive mechanism arranged to drive a valve member, wherein the valve actuator comprises:an input member operatively engaged with said cam drive mechanism; an output member operatively engageable with said cam drive mechanism to drive the valve member; a locking assembly engageable for selectively coupling said input member and said output member to operatively engage the output member with the cam drive mechanism, said locking assembly including a pulse energy activating coil and armature system for engaging said locking assembly; and a drive member connected to said armature, said drive member having a first engagement surface, wherein said locking assembly comprises a locking member slidably engaged with said input member, said locking member having a second engagement surface operably engageable by the first engagement surface of said drive member, wherein activation of said coil causes said armature to drive said drive member which drives said locking member relative to said input member toward said output member, said first and second engagement surfaces cooperate to index said locking member to couple said input and output members.