Linear cam valve system

Abstract

This invention relates to a linear cam valve operating system consisting of a linear cam and follower/tappet installed in a carrier and directly connected to a driving means such as an electro-magnetic or similar type apparatus using a reciprocating or shuttle type driving action with the linear cam action actuating the intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine. Timing of the valve action is controlled from the driving mechanism with valve movement determined by the linear cam using a direct or combined direct-conjugate profile.

1 . A linear cam system driven by a means using a reciprocating or shuttle type action with said driver connected to a linear cam acting on a follower/tappet which actuates the intake and exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine.  
   
   
       2 . The linear cam system described in  claim 1  is comprised of a linear cam connected to a companion follower/tappet installed in a carrier housing making up a cam unit or module and attached transversely to the engine at a point between the linear cam driving mechanism and the engine intake and exhaust valves.  
   
   
       3 . The linear cam described in  claim 2  has profiles shaped to achieve specific or controlled valve movement.  
   
   
       4 . The linear cam described in  claim 2  has combined direct-conjugate profiles and is used with a two way driver to power the engine valves to the open position by the action of the direct cam profile and to the closed position by the action of the conjugate profile supplemented by light spring tension on the engine intake and exhaust valves.  
   
   
       5 . The linear cam described in  claim 2  is used with a one way driver providing the opening valve action by the direct cam profile with return or closing action provided by spring tension on the driver and engine valves.  
   
   
       6 . The linear cam described in  claim 2  has a constant rectangular shaped cross section running the length of the cam.  
   
   
       7 . The linear cam described in  claim 2  has a rectangular shaped cross section in the center of the cam accommodating the direct-conjugate profiles and cylindrical shaped cross sections on the ends of the cam providing mating surfaces with the cam carrier.  
   
   
       8 . The carrier housing described in  claim 2  contains one or more linear cams and one or more follower/tappets making up a cam unit or module.  
   
   
       9 . The linear cam described in  claim 1 , is installed directly on the actuating mechanism of the driving device.  
   
   
       10 . The linear cam unit described in  claim 2  is attached to the cylinder head on overhead valve engines.