Patent ID: 7055471

Claim:
An internal combustion engine comprising: a first cylinder configured to support a first piston; a first valve train including a first cam and further including a first valve; a first rocker arm having first and second sides, wherein the first side is coupled to the first valve; a first push rod having first and second ends, wherein the first end is coupled to the second side of the first rocker arm; and a first hydraulic lifter having a first face that is coupled to the second end of the first push rod and a second face that interfaces the first cam, wherein rotation of the first cam causes movement of the first hydraulic lifter and movement of the first valve; a first channel that provides lubricant; a second channel coupled to the first channel; a third channel coupling the second channel to the first hydraulic lifter, wherein the second channel communicates the lubricant to the third channel upon receiving the lubricant from the first channel, and wherein the third channel communicates the lubricant to the first hydraulic lifter upon receiving the lubricant from the second channel; and a fourth channel coupling the second channel with an internal cavity of a crankcase of the internal combustion engine, wherein a portion of gases communicated along with the lubricant exit the second channel into the internal cavity.