Patent ID: 7614371

Claim:
An engine characterized by variable valve timing comprising: a rotatable crankshaft; a first gear being operatively connected to the crankshaft to be driven thereby; a second gear being meshingly engaged with the first gear to be driven thereby; a rotatable cam operatively connected to the second gear to be driven thereby; a valve being selectively movable between open and closed positions and being operatively connected to the cam such that rotation of the cam causes movement of the valve between the open and closed positions; said first and second gears being configured such that the second gear and said cam are characterized by a varying speed when the crankshaft speed is constant; a first member that rotatably supports the first gear; a second member that rotatably supports the second gear; a third gear mounted with respect to the second gear for rotation therewith; and a fourth gear being meshingly engaged with said third gear and being mounted with respect to the cam for rotation therewith; said third and fourth gears being characterized by a 1:1 ratio.