Kate Elizabeth Higdon

US Patent:

20170009610, Jan 12, 2017

Filed:

Jun 30, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/198978

Inventors:

- Herzogenaurach, DE
Colin Foster - Belle River, CA
David Chandler - Windsor, CA
John Whitton - Milwaukee WI, US
Kate Higdon - Royal Oak MI, US

Assignee:

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG - Herzogenaurach

International Classification:

F01L 1/24
F01L 1/26
F01L 1/18

Abstract:

A switchable rocker arm for valve deactivation is provided for a valve train of an internal combustion engine. The switchable rocker arm includes a cam lever assembly, a valve lever assembly, and a hydraulically actuated coupling assembly that is radially arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies. The coupling assembly includes a shuttle pin, a locking pin with a round or flat locking interface, and optional shuttle pin and locking pin sleeves. In a first, locked position, the rotational motion of a camshaft is translated to linear motion of an engine valve. In a second, unlocked position, the cam lever assembly rotates about the valve lever assembly, facilitating valve deactivation. A pivot joint arranged between the cam lever and valve lever assemblies facilitates an arcuate lost motion of the cam lever assembly. An integrated arrangement for one or more lost motions springs offers packaging and functional advantages.

US Patent:

20150055907, Feb 26, 2015

Filed:

Aug 13, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/458786

Inventors:

- Herzogenaurach, DE
Kate Higdon - Royal Oak MI, US

International Classification:

F16C 33/60
F16C 33/58
F16C 43/04
F16C 19/24

US Classification:

384569, 29898066

Abstract:

A bearing assembly, including a housing with a first circumferentially disposed groove; a bearing including an outer race with a second circumferentially disposed groove; and a retaining ring disposed within the first and second circumferentially disposed grooves. A method of retaining a bearing, including: locating a first portion of a ring within a groove in an outer race; installing a housing radially about the race to contact the race; locating a second portion of the ring within a groove in the housing; bringing temperature of the housing and the race to a first level; fixing, with contact between the race and the housing, the race with respect to the housing; increasing the temperature of the housing and race to a second higher level; creating a radial gap between the housing and the outer race; and fixing, with the retaining ring, a position of the race with respect to the housing.