Patent ID: 8631775

Claim:
A multi-mode valve control mechanism for an engine, comprising: a primary cam follower rotatably mounted within a mount and having one end engaging a camshaft; one or more secondary cam followers rotatably mounted within a mount and having one end engaging the camshaft, each secondary follower including means for coupling and decoupling to the primary cam follower; a shaft operably coupled to the mount for each of the one or more secondary cam followers; and a spring disposed about the shaft and positioned between the mount and a seat for exerting a biasing force on the secondary cam followers, wherein, in a first mode of operation, the primary cam follower is not operatively coupled to the one or more secondary cam followers in such a way that actuation of the one or more secondary cam followers will not actuate the primary cam follower, and wherein, in a second mode of operation, the primary cam follower is operatively coupled to the one or more secondary cam followers in such a way that actuation of the one or more secondary cam followers will also actuate the primary cam follower.