Patent ID: 8316809

Claim:
A two-mode valve actuator system for reducing valve lift and closing the valve at an earlier crank angle of a Diesel engine during cold starting and warm-up conditions, the system comprising: a partially disabling lifter which is supported in an engine block or head of the engine, the lifter comprising; a roller or flat follower which is actuated by a cam lobe of the engine; a lifter body which is functionally attached to the roller or flat follower; a plunger assembly; means to functionally allow telescoping motion between the lifter body and the plunger assembly, reduce valve lift, and close the valve at an earlier crank angle during engine cold starting and warm-up conditions; a pushrod seat assembly which is functionally attached to the plunger assembly; a spring seat which is functionally attached to the lifter body; a spring tower which is rigidly attached to the plunger assembly; a seat assembly which is functionally attached to the lifter body of the Diesel engine, wherein the Diesel engine is a pushrod engine, or a solid surface on top of the spring tower which is functionally attached to a Diesel engine rocker, wherein the Diesel engine is a non-pushrod engine; and a lost motion spring which is functionally attached to the spring tower; and means to provide soft opening of an engine valve in the engine that the partially disabling lifter actuates.