Patent ID: RE40439

Claim:
A method for actuating a an intake valve disposed in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine by an electromechanical valve system having an armature operatively connected to the valve, a valve closing electromagnet capable of exhibiting an electromagnetic force for attracting the armature to close the valve, a valve opening spring for biasing the armature in a direction to open the valve, and a valve closing spring for biasing the armature in a direction to close the valve, comprising the steps of: de-energizing the valve closing electromagnet when said valve is in a substantially fully closed position; maintaining the valve closing electromagnet in said de-energized state for a predetermined time enabling the valve to oscillate by force of the valve opening spring and the valve closing spring while inducting air past the valve as it oscillates ; and energizing the valve closing electromagnet after said predetermined time to close the valve.