Tools – Miscellaneous
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-17
2001-10-16
Meislin, D. S. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Miscellaneous
C081S484000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302002
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention generally pertains to motor vehicles. More particular, the present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for servicing an internal combustion engine. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiment and/or use which is shown and described for purposes of illustration, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for maintaining cam sprocket alignment while the cam shaft of an engine is removed for servicing the engine.
2. Discussion
In a conventional motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a cam shaft is rotatably mounted in a cylinder head. The cylinder head includes a plurality of journals longitudinally spaced along its length. The journals define a cam shaft axis and support the cam shaft. A cam sprocket is fixedly attached to the cam shaft. The cam sprocket is coupled to a rotational output of the internal combustion engine through a tension chain.
When it is necessary to service the cylinder head, it is frequently necessary to remove the cam shaft. For example, access to the cylinder heads and cylinders of the internal combustion engine is restricted, if not prevented, unless the cam shaft is removed. When the cam shaft is conventionally removed, the radial position of the cam sprocket is altered and proper tensioning of the tension chain is disturbed. As a result, it is often necessary to recalibrate the tension chain. This process is extremely time consuming as it typically involves removal of the oil pan and the front chain case cover.
Thus, it is would be desirable to remove a cam shaft from the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine while maintaining proper radial alignment of the cam sprocket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for servicing a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine which overcome the disadvantages associated with the prior art, including but not limited to those discussed above.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for maintaining radial alignment of a cam sprocket while the cam shaft of an engine cylinder head is removed.
In one form, the present invention provides an apparatus for maintaining radial alignment of a cam sprocket during removal of a cam shaft of an engine cylinder head. The apparatus includes a mounting portion adapted to be removably attached to the engine cylinder head. The apparatus additionally includes a support portion for radially supporting the cam sprocket. The support portion is generally cylindrical in shape and adapted to align with the cam shaft.
In another form, the present invention provides a method of servicing an engine cylinder head. The general steps of the present invention include providing a sprocket mounting member, removably attaching the sprocket mounting member to the engine cylinder head, radially supporting the cam sprocket on the sprocket mounting member, removing the cam shaft from the engine cylinder head, and maintaining a radial position of the cam sprocket.
Additional benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates from a reading of the subsequent description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1466196 (1923-08-01), Seiders
patent: 2666945 (1954-01-01), Kelly
patent: 4027365 (1977-06-01), Froeliger
patent: 4373240 (1983-02-01), Castoe
patent: 4726263 (1988-02-01), Lake
patent: 5323889 (1994-06-01), Bednarek
Calcaterra Mark P.
Chrysler Corporation
Meislin D. S.
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