Patent ID: 6907870

Claim:
A multi-mode internal combustion engine capable of operating in a plurality of modes for engine operation, comprising: an engine body; a combustion chamber formed in the engine body; an intake air system for delivering intake air to said combustion chamber, said intake air system including an intake port and an intake valve for controlling flow of one of air and a mixture of air and fuel through said intake port; a fuel delivery system mounted on said engine body for supplying fuel for combustion in said combustion chamber; a spark ignition means for initiating a start of combustion when operating in a spark ignition mode; a variable valve timing system for varying a timing of closing of said intake valve; a control system for controlling said variable valve timing system to, at least one of: transfer engine operation from said spark ignition mode to a premixed charge compression ignition mode by adjusting said timing of said closing of said intake valve to increase an effective compression ratio; and transfer engine operation from said premixed charge compression ignition mode to said spark ignition mode by adjusting said timing of said closing of said intake valve to decrease an effective compression ratio.