Internal-combustion engines – Valve – Packing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-22
2001-03-27
Wolfe, Willis R. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Valve
Packing
C029S888300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06205969
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to valve assemblies. More particularly, the present invention relates to multi-seal retainer assemblies that are suitable for use in connection with a valve assembly for an internal combustion engine. The present invention also includes a method for making such a multi-seal retainer assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A valve assembly for an internal combustion engine generally includes a valve spring and a valve seal having a retainer. Before the valve spring and the retainer fit into place, a valve seal is usually positioned over a valve stem. Valve stem seals control the amount of oil allowed between a valve stem and a valve stem guide. The seal functions in the manner of a positive seal or umbrella seal to prevent oil from flowing down the valve stem into the combustion chamber. The spring, which normally acts to keep the valve closed, is held in place by an individual retainer that is secured onto the valve stem. Such retainers typically prevent the valve spring from wearing into the engine head surface.
While the use of plastic retainers in connection with internal combustion engines is known in the art, there exists a need for an improved combination of valve stem seals. More particularly, there exists a need for a multi-seal retainer assembly for a multi-valve assembly that is easy to produce, involves a fairly tidy and repeatable process, reduces the number of engine components, and makes the components that are used easier to handle and assemble with respect to a particular engine head configuration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes the limitations associated with currently available multi-seal assemblies and the production of such assemblies. The present invention provides an assembly wherein individual valve seals are connected into a single assembly unit. Rather than providing individual seals for each valve stem, a molded assembly can be used to seal all of the valve stems on a head of an engine. The assembly can be designed for a particular engine head with valve guide spacing having various angles. Further, such a multi-seal retainer assembly will generally function to hold or retain the rubber portion of the individual seals and to act as a type of valve spring washer to prevent the valve spring from wearing into the head surface of an engine.
The present invention provides several advantages over conventional valve assemblies including, among other things, improved functionality, ease of manufacture, and convenient implementation and use. For instance, by forming a single multi-seal retainer assembly comprised of a plurality of seals, the number of component parts in an engine can be reduced, thereby streamlining the assembly process. Moreover, the multi-seal retainer assembly of the present invention may be tailored to specific engine head configurations to further improve the assembly process. Also, if desired, the retainer assembly can be formed to include one or more handle portions, thereby making the assembly easier to handle and assemble in connection with a valve assembly.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a multi-seal retainer assembly is provided that is suitable for use in connection with a valve assembly for an internal combustion engine. The retainer assembly includes a plurality of valve stem seals and at least one connector, wherein each connector is used to connect or link one seal to another to form a type of linkage or web of valve stem seals. A method for making a multi-seal retainer assembly as described above is also disclosed.
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patent: 6123054 (2000-09-01), Netzer
Dana Corporation
Huynh Hai
Rader & Fishman & Grauer, PLLC
Wolfe Willis R.
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