Valve operating system

Abstract

A valve operating system for an internal combustion engine in which two valves are simultaneously operated by one valve bridge. The valve operating system includes two valves each having a valve stem end; a rocker arm having a forward end, the forward end having a contact surface; and a valve bridge that operates the two valves. The valve bridge includes first and second ends each having an internal sleeve adapted to receive the respective stem end of each valve, a central reservoir, and a roller operably recessed within the central reservoir which is in contact with the contact surface of the rocker arm during actuation. The presence of the roller during operation mitigates the transverse force created by the rotation of the rocker arm upon the valve bridge, thereby increasing efficiency and minimizing wear on the engine.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A valve operating system for an internal combustion engine in which two valves are simultaneously operated, each having a valve stem, comprising:
 (a) a rocker arm having a forward end, the forward end having a contact surface; and   (b) a valve bridge that operates the two valves, the valve bridge comprising:
 i) first and second ends each having an internal sleeve adapted to receive the respective stem end of each valve; 
 ii) a central reservoir; and 
 iii) a roller having a curved surface operably recessed within the central reservoir in contact with the contact surface of the rocker arm, whereby downward movement of the rocker arm actuates the valve bridge without a transverse force increasing efficiency and minimizing wear on the engine. 
   
     
     
         2 . The valve operating system of  claim 1 , wherein central reservoir is adapted to retain and provide oil to the roller during operation of the valves. 
     
     
         3 . The valve operating system of  claim 2 , wherein the central reservoir comprises a concave surface which partially extends radially about the curved surface of the roller forming a space therebetween for oil to collect and to apply to the roller during operation. 
     
     
         4 . The valve operating system of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second ends of the valve bridge each further comprise an oil passage connecting the upper surface with each respective internal sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The valve operating system of  claim 4 , wherein the valve bridge further comprises at least one exterior recessed surface for reducing the weight of the valve bridge. 
     
     
         6 . The valve operating system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second ends of the valve bridge each further comprise an oil passage connecting the upper surface with each respective internal sleeve. 
     
     
         7 . The valve operating system of  claim 6 , wherein central reservoir is adapted to retain and provide oil to the roller during operation of the valves. 
     
     
         8 . The valve operating system of  claim 7 , wherein the central reservoir comprises a concave surface which partially extends radially about the curved surface of the roller forming a space therebetween for oil to collect and to apply to the roller during operation. 
     
     
         9 . The valve operating system of  claim 1 , wherein the contact surface includes a pad which is in contact with the roller. 
     
     
         10 . The valve operating system of  claim 1 , wherein the contact surface is generally flat. 
     
     
         11 . The valve operating system of  claim 1 , wherein the valve bridge further comprises at least one exterior recessed surface for reducing the weight of the valve bridge. 
     
     
         12 . A valve operating system for an internal combustion engine in which two valves are simultaneously operated, each having a valve stem end, comprising:
 (a) a rocker arm having a forward end, the forward end having a contact surface; and   (b) a valve bridge that operates the two valves having an upper and lower surface, the valve bridge comprising:
 i) first and second ends each having an internal sleeve adapted to receive the respective stem end of each valve, wherein the first and second ends of the valve bridge each further comprise an oil passage connecting the upper surface with each respective internal sleeve, whereby enabling oil to freely pass between the upper surface and the lower surface and around the engaged valve stems during operation of the valve. 
 ii) a central reservoir; 
 iii) a roller having a curved surface operably recessed within the central reservoir for making contact with the contact surface of the rocker arm, whereby downward movement of the rocker arm actuates the valve bridge without a transverse force increasing efficiency and minimizing wear on the engine, wherein the central reservoir further comprises a concave surface which partially extends radially about the curved surface of the roller forming a space therebetween for oil to collect and to apply to the roller during operation; and 
 iv) at least one exterior recessed surface for reducing the weight of the valve bridge. 
   
     
     
         13 . The valve operating system of  claim 12 , wherein the contact surface includes a pad which is in contact with the roller. 
     
     
         14 . The valve operating system of  claim 12 , wherein the contact surface is generally flat.