Patent ID: 7409940

Claim:
A method for controlling the orientation of at least two roller lifters in an internal combustion engine having at least two rotatable elements that eccentrically move the at least two roller lifters to alter the phasing of the at least two roller lifters engaging with a cam, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving the at least two roller lifters in at least two apertures of a constraining mechanism; (b) rotating the at least two rotatable elements that eccentrically move the at least two roller lifters; (c) allowing by said constraining mechanism the at least two roller lifters to move in a direction parallel to each of their respective longitudinal axes; and (d) preventing by said constraining mechanism each of the at least two roller lifters from rotating about each of their said respective longitudinal axes; wherein each point on said constraining mechanism moves through a same parallel arcuate path as the at least two roller lifters.